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

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.