UAE travel: Etihad Airways adds four-weekly flights to new US city

The launch follows Etihad’s announcement confirming an order for 28 wide-body Boeing jets

Last updated:
Dhanusha Gokulan (Chief Reporter)
2 MIN READ
The Abu Dhabi to Charolette will operate on Etihad’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner four times per week.
The Abu Dhabi to Charolette will operate on Etihad’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner four times per week.
Etihad

Abu Dhabi: UAE’s flag carrier, Etihad Airways, announced Friday plans to grow its US network by launching non-stop flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, starting May 4, 2026. With this, Charlotte became Etihad’s sixth destination in the United States, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta, which launched on July 2.

The route will operate on Etihad’s flagship Boeing 787 Dreamliner four times per week.

“Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. “We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travellers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”

Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, ranking sixth globally for aircraft movements in 2024.

The expansion of operations to the US follows Etihad’s Friday morning announcement confirming the purchase of 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft. The airline confirmed this amid Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE.

Since 2023, the airline has steadily grown its fleet as part of a long-term strategy to double in size by 2030. This reflects Etihad’s ongoing approach to aligning its fleet with evolving network and operational needs.

The agreement includes a mix of Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines and supported by a services package. These aircraft are expected to join the fleet from 2028 onwards.

Passengers travelling to the United States benefit from US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, enabling them to arrive in Charlotte as domestic passengers – ensuring a smooth and time-saving arrival experience.

Dhanusha Gokulan
Dhanusha GokulanChief Reporter
Dhanusha is a Chief Reporter at Gulf News in Dubai, with her finger firmly on the pulse of UAE, regional, and global aviation. She dives deep into how airlines and airports operate, expand, and embrace the latest tech. Known for her sharp eye for detail, Dhanusha makes complex topics like new aircraft, evolving travel trends, and aviation regulations easy to grasp. Lately, she's especially fascinated by the world of eVTOLs and flying cars. With nearly two decades in journalism, Dhanusha's covered a wide range, from health and education to the pandemic, local transport, and technology. When she's not tracking what's happening in the skies, she enjoys exploring social media trends, tech innovations, and anything that sparks reader curiosity. Outside of work, you'll find her immersed in electronic dance music, pop culture, movies, and video games.

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