Etihad Airways. Photo: shutterstock Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, continues to expand with another attractive destination - Sochi, Russia.
This coming summer, the airline will launch direct flights from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Sochi International Airport (AER), thereby opening a gateway to the breathtaking northeastern Black Sea coasts.
This move strengthens Etihad's commitment to providing diverse and unique destinations for travelers seeking new and exciting experiences.
Sochi, nicknamed the Russian Riviera, was a sought-after destination even among tourists from Israel who visited the city until the outbreak of the war with Ukraine in February 2022.
The city is known for being a winter sports center, as well as for its beaches and numerous attractions.
The Krasnodar region offers stunning beaches in the summer and green mountains, while in winter visitors can enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in the Caucasus Mountains – made famous by the 2014 Winter Olympics.
As mentioned, the city itself offers a wide range of tourist attractions, parks, museums, and pampering spa sites, making it an attractive destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Visitors to Sochi will have a somewhat confusing holiday. Why?
Because it is divided into two general areas that are very far apart. The first area is a narrow and long coastal strip stretching over tens of kilometers. From the Olympic village and airport in the south to the entertainment, restaurant, and hotel areas in the center and north. This is the area to spend time in during the hot summer months when the beaches, hotels, restaurants, and bars are crowded with vacationers.
In winter, however, the focus shifts to the mountainous area, located about a 40-minute drive east on the highway built for the Olympics, where the ski resorts, hotels, entertainment areas, and, of course, the luxurious casino are located.
Etihad will operate three weekly flights – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays – using its modern Airbus A320 aircraft. Each flight will offer eight business class seats and 150 economy class seats.
The launch of this route is the 14th addition to Etihad's ever-expanding network from the end of 2024.
Alongside Sochi, the company is expected to launch flights to major world cities, including Atlanta, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Taipei.
In Europe, Etihad will expand its services to Prague and Warsaw, while new routes in North Africa will include Algiers, Tunis, and El-Alamein. To enhance connectivity to Southeast Asia, the airline will launch flights to Chiang Mai and Krabi in Thailand, Medan in Indonesia, and Phnom Penh in Cambodia. Experience a stopover in Abu Dhabi
With the launch of the new route to Sochi, Etihad invites passengers to also enjoy Abu Dhabi's Stopover program. This initiative offers up to two free nights in luxury hotels, allowing passengers to experience the culture, heritage, and luxury of the UAE's capital before continuing their journey. Abu Dhabi offers a perfect blend of innovation and tradition, with a wealth of cultural sites, world-class attractions, exquisite culinary experiences, and a wide range of entertainment options for all ages.
The new flights to Sochi are already available for booking.