Etihad rolls out premium cabin upgrades on its UAE- India flights

Abu Dhabi: Travellers flying from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai and Delhi in India will experience improved travel comfort.

UAE’s national carrier Etihad Airways announced Friday that it plans to introduce the game-changing Airbus A321LR twice daily to these two Indian cities, complementing two daily wide-body services connecting Abu Dhabi to each city.  

From May 1, the airline will operate four daily flights to each city, with all services now offering lie-flat Business Class seats and, on select aircraft, a First-Class experience.

“This is a major upgrade on our flights connecting Abu Dhabi to Mumbai and New Delhi, which demonstrates our commitment to the strategically important Indian market,” said Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer.

“Guests travelling to and from both cities can now enjoy a true First experience throughout their entire journey when connecting from these cities to global destinations like London, Paris, Zurich, Geneva, New York and Toronto,” he added.

UAE-based Indian expatriates and frequent business travellers rely heavily on these routes. Now, there will be four daily flights to Mumbai and New Delhi each. There will be lie-flat Business Class seats on all services

The airline already operates to 11 destinations in India, making it one of its largest markets.

The A321LR introduces a more premium experience on a narrow-body aircraft — a segment typically used for short- to medium-haul routes.

Premium travellers will also see enhancements beyond the aircraft.

First and Business passengers can access chauffeur services in select fare categories, personalised concierge support for First Class, and meet-and-assist services at the airport.

UAE carriers, including Etihad, have been operating limited special flights out of the UAE ever since the US-Israel war broke out in Iran on February 28, subsequently resulting in Iran’s belligerent attack on the UAE and other Gulf states.

Furthermore, due to the near blockade of the Strait of Hormuz – a key shipping route for oil businesses – there has been an ongoing shortage of jet fuel, leading to limited flights. The jet fuel shortage has become a global issue, with airlines worldwide reducing capacity and flight frequencies. Airfares have also skyrocketed since, with many aviation authorities, including the IATA – the main international trade body for private airlines, saying that airfares are expected to remain high for months to come.

However, despite the high airfares, travel demand remains robust, with UAE airlines operating flights to multiple destinations.