Etihad aircraft. Photo: Ido Vachtel Etihad Airways is expanding its operations to the USA.
The decorated airline has announced an increase in the frequency of flights between Abu Dhabi and Atlanta, following exceptional demand from passengers.
The new route, expected to operate four times a week starting July 2, 2025, will increase to daily flights from November 1, 2025.
The route connecting Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi with Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta (ATL) is the only direct link from the UAE to Atlanta.
The service expansion will offer passengers maximum flexibility and convenience, alongside seamless connectivity to a range of destinations in the USA and Asia.
Atlanta International Airport. ShutterstockAccording to Uri Stelder, Senior Vice President for Network Scheduling and Alliances at Etihad Airways:
"Since we announced the opening of the route to Atlanta last November, we have seen significant interest from passengers, and therefore decided to increase the frequency to a daily flight on this popular route. Connecting the world's busiest airport by passenger volume, Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, to our growing global network allows for smooth connectivity to key destinations in South Asia such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Karachi. It also offers more opportunities for passengers to enjoy our great home, Abu Dhabi, whether as a layover or a longer vacation."
The flights will be operated using the latest Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, which include:
44 seats in the business class cabin with flatbeds and luxury service
327 seats in the economy class with enhanced space for passenger comfort
Advanced entertainment systems offering a wide selection of movies, series, and music
A refined culinary menu based on luxury global cuisine
The starting ticket price for economy class is 1,925 UAE Dirhams (approximately $520)
The starting ticket price for business class is 10,010 Dirhams (approximately $2,700)
Atlanta, the capital of Georgia, serves as a major transportation, business, and cultural hub in the USA, combining culinary experiences, professional sports, nightlife, and historical tourism.
In addition, Atlanta provides easy access to other cities in the USA, offering smooth transitions to other destinations across the country.
An additional significant advantage of Etihad flights to the USA is the preclearance service for US customs and immigration.
Thanks to completing customs and immigration processes already in Abu Dhabi, passengers arrive in the USA having already undergone all checks earlier, allowing them to collect their luggage and exit the airport immediately or easily continue to a connecting flight.
This move is part of Etihad's expansion plan, which includes the launch of routes to 13 new destinations worldwide, as reported already in Passport News.