Etihad Airways has announced the addition of seven new cities to its growing global network, further accelerating its ambitious 2025 expansion strategy and bringing the total number of new destinations this year to an impressive 29. The move is part of a broader effort to turbocharge Abu Dhabi’s position as a major aviation and tourism hub in the region. The latest destinations to join Etihad’s network include Almaty in Kazakhstan, Baku in Azerbaijan, Bucharest in Romania, Tbilisi in Georgia, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, Yerevan in Armenia, and Medina in Saudi Arabia. While services to Medina are set to begin in November 2025, the remaining routes will launch in March 2026, with tickets expected to go on sale in the coming days.
Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, Antonoaldo Neves, said: “Our goal is clear—we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. These new routes connect us to fast-growing, culturally rich regions and will help stimulate demand for tourism and trade in the UAE’s capital.” Neves emphasized that the additions span a range of travel segments—from religious pilgrimage to historical exploration and business travel—while helping position Etihad as a preferred carrier for point-to-point and connecting traffic across the wider Middle East and Central Asia. “This is a remarkable milestone that reflects our ambition and commitment to Abu Dhabi’s growth,” Neves added. “Whether for business or leisure, guests can expect a seamless journey and world-class hospitality that reflects Etihad’s elevated service.”
With these additions, Etihad is not only expanding its geographic footprint but also doubling down on its long-term mission to make Abu Dhabi a top-of-mind destination for global travelers. The strategy aligns with broader efforts by the UAE to boost tourism, foster international partnerships, and enhance air connectivity to emerging and underserved markets.
