Etihad launches direct flights to Medina, expanding Saudi network to 93 weekly routes

Dubai: Etihad Airways has launched direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina, expanding its Saudi Arabia network and enhancing connections for religious, business and leisure travellers. The first flight to the holy city operated earlier this week and was fully booked, highlighting the strong demand for the new route.

The launch marks a strategic expansion for the UAE’s national carrier, which now operates 93 weekly flights across five Saudi cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Qassim, and Medina. The addition comes as part of Etihad’s wider growth strategy, which has seen the airline add 31 destinations in a year.

“The launch of Medina reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia, one of our most important markets," said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO at Etihad Airways. "Medina carries profound cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people, and we are honoured to provide convenient travel through Abu Dhabi to this culturally and spiritually important city.”

Flight schedule overview

• EY631 departs Abu Dhabi at 08:55, arriving in Medina at 10:50 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

• EY633 departs Abu Dhabi at 14:30, arriving in Medina at 16:25 on Wednesdays and Fridays.

• Return flights (EY632, EY634) depart Medina in the afternoon and evening, landing back in Abu Dhabi the same day.

Five weekly flights, increasing to six later this year

Etihad will operate five weekly flights to Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, increasing to six flights later in the year. The service offers both Business and Economy cabins and aims to provide a seamless travel experience for passengers between Abu Dhabi and the Kingdom.

According to the airline, Medina-bound travellers can also take advantage of Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme, which offers two complimentary nights in select hotels. The initiative is part of the airline’s effort to position Abu Dhabi as a key global hub offering cultural, leisure and entertainment experiences.

Expanding global reach from Abu Dhabi

With the Medina launch, Etihad continues to strengthen its Middle East footprint while expanding globally. In recent months, the carrier has added routes to Medan, Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Tunis, reinforcing its ambitions to connect Abu Dhabi with key growth markets across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Etihad’s increasing presence in Saudi Arabia aligns with the Kingdom’s broader tourism and infrastructure goals, supporting its vision to welcome 150 million visitors by 2030.