Etihad Airways is adding Charlotte, North Carolina, to its growing list of destinations in the United States. The new non-stop route from Abu Dhabi will launch in May 2026.
This move marks Etihad’s sixth U.S. destination. The airline already serves New York, Chicago, Washington, and Boston. Flights to Atlanta are scheduled to begin on July 2. Charlotte will be the latest addition to this expanding network. Etihad will also become the first airline from the Middle East to operate direct flights to Charlotte.
The service will run four times a week and will use Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft offers both Business and Economy class cabins.
“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, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, in a statement.
“We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond,” Neves added.
In late 2024, Etihad announced an ambitious growth strategy. The plan includes adding 10 new destinations across three continents. The airline aims to offer travelers access to some of the world’s most popular cities.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports. In 2024, it ranked sixth globally for aircraft movements. Charlotte is also a major U.S. business hub and a popular destination for both corporate and leisure travelers.
Etihad has timed its new service to allow for smooth connections. Flights will leave Abu Dhabi in the early morning and return from Charlotte around midday. This schedule is designed to help travelers easily connect to other destinations through Etihad’s global network.
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