Etihad upgrades Kolkata route with new A321LR with First suites, lie-flat Business seats

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways is set to upgrade its daily Abu Dhabi–Kolkata flights with the launch of the next-generation Airbus A321LR starting September 26, 2025, bringing luxury First Class suites, lie-flat Business Class seats, and next-gen Economy cabins to one of India’s busiest air corridors.

The new aircraft will operate all Etihad flights between Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU), offering a more premium experience across all classes on the medium-haul route.

The A321LR (Long Range) aircraft is designed to offer wide-body comfort in a single-aisle format, making it ideal for regional routes with growing premium demand.

Key upgrades include:

Etihad says this fleet upgrade reinforces its strategic focus on India, a market with strong demand across both leisure and business travel segments.

“India is a key market for Etihad, and we are delighted to elevate our Kolkata service with our latest A321LR aircraft,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways. “This investment underlines our ongoing commitment to providing world-class service and greater connectivity across the Indian subcontinent.”

The move comes as Etihad continues to strengthen its footprint in India, with improved connectivity to its growing global network via Abu Dhabi. The upgrade also positions Etihad as a more competitive choice for Indian travellers seeking comfort and premium service on regional routes.

With this upgrade, passengers travelling between the UAE and India can expect luxury, efficiency, and connectivity, underlining Etihad’s commitment to delivering a superior flying experience in one of its key international markets.