Etihad started a teaser campaign last week (read more here) about 10 new routes the airline plans to launch next year. The campaign included an online video embedded with destination hints.
Etihad has today unveiled the 10 destinations it will begin flying in the second half of 2025, some of which are route resumptions.
You can access Etihad here.
Note that four of these 10 “new” destinations are not new but places where they used to fly (Phnom Penh, Hong Kong, Nairobi, and Hanoi).
Etihad Route Map:
New Route Schedule & Aircraft Used:
Etihad’s Press Release:
Ten new routes in one day – historic moment for Etihad
- For the first time Etihad unveils 10 new routes in a single day
- Exciting and diverse destinations across the globe including Algiers, Atlanta, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Krabi, Phnom Penh, Taipei and Tunis
- Expanded network set to bring huge boost in visitor numbers to Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, UAE – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is thrilled to announce the launch of ten new destinations starting in 2025. This announcement, part of the airline’s rapid expansion programme, fulfills its promise to provide guests with a route map featuring destinations they want to fly to, with connections and frequencies that suit their needs. It also allows Abu Dhabi to extend its renowned hospitality to more visitors from around the globe as a world-class tourism and business hub.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This expansion reflects our commitment to listening to our valued guests. We’ve carefully chosen cities that embody the experiences, adventures, and opportunities that matter to them. Whether seeking inspiring landscapes, vibrant cultural experiences, reuniting with family and friends, pursuing business growth, or educational journeys, our new routes will help make their travel dreams a reality.
“This moment is not just about expanding our network; it’s about sharing Abu Dhabi with the world. With its endless sunshine, diverse cuisine, rich culture, exhilarating family theme parks, and safe, beautiful beaches, Abu Dhabi offers something for everyone. Our expanded network will make it easier than ever for guests to experience everything our home city has to offer.
“Launching ten new destinations in a single day underscores our unwavering commitment to growing our airline with a fantastic route network and world-class, customer-focused service. This incredible milestone would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of our team and the ongoing support of our guests.”
The ten routes announced today will complement Etihad’s previously revealed new destinations for 2025: Prague, Warsaw, and Al Alamein.
Etihad’s expansion is set to bring tens of thousands of new visitors directly to Abu Dhabi, boosting its position as a premier destination for leisure, business, and cultural tourism. The move aligns with the UAE capital’s efforts to attract international travellers and reinforces its reputation as a hub of connectivity, innovation, and hospitality.
“The launch of these ten destinations is supported by our impressive hub, Zayed International Airport, which boasts the ‘wow’ factor and ample space to accommodate our rapid growth, further enhancing the exceptional guest experience,” said Neves.
Additionally, it offers more guests the chance to take advantage of Etihad’s free stopover offer, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Travellers booking flights with Etihad can easily add a stopover and choose a complimentary hotel stay for one or two nights from a selection of premier hotels across the city.
Neves added: “2025 marks a pivotal year for Etihad, with more than 90 destinations in over 50 countries, a fleet of more than 110 aircraft – including our amazing new A321LRs – welcoming over 20 million guests onboard. Most importantly, it will support us in bringing over a million visitors to Abu Dhabi to enjoy our home.”
As the airline accelerates its growth, Etihad Guest, its award-winning loyalty programme, will also expand its reach, offering more guests the opportunity to earn and redeem miles while unlocking exclusive benefits.
New Destinations:
- Algiers: The capital of Algeria, Algiers, boasts a stunning blend of French historic architecture and traditional Islamic influences. The Casbah’s narrow streets offer a glimpse into its rich history, while the Mediterranean coastline provides beautiful views and a relaxing atmosphere.
- Atlanta: The state capital of Georgia, Atlanta, is a bustling metropolis and a major business and transportation hub. Known for its Southern hospitality, Atlanta boasts a thriving tech scene, professional sports teams, craft breweries, and dining spots. The state of Georgia is also famous for its charming small towns, historic plantations, and rich agricultural heritage.
- Chiang Mai: Located in northern Thailand, Chiang Mai is the country’s cultural heart, renowned for its ancient temples, vibrant night markets, and lush mountainous surroundings. The city’s Old Town is a cultural treasure trove with historic walls and moats.
- Hanoi: The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is known for its centuries-old architecture and rich culture influenced by Southeast Asian, Chinese, and French traditions. The bustling Old Quarter and serene Hoan Kiem Lake are central to the city’s charm.
- Hong Kong: A dynamic city where East meets West, Hong Kong offers a stunning skyline, bustling markets, and a rich culinary scene. Victoria Peak provides breathtaking views of the harbour and skyscrapers.
- Krabi: Located in southern Thailand, Krabi is famous for its stunning limestone cliffs, clear waters, and beautiful beaches like Railay and Ao Nang. The area is a haven for outdoor activities such as rock climbing, snorkeling, and island hopping.
- Medan: The vibrant gateway to island of Sumatra, Indonesia, offering rich cultural diversity, colonial-era architecture, and a thriving food scene renowned for its local delicacies like rendang and durian. It provides easy access to breathtaking natural wonders, including Lake Toba and the orangutans of Bukit Lawang.
- Phnom Penh: The vibrant capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, blends historic charm with modern energy, featuring stunning landmarks like the Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and the poignant Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Its riverside promenade, lively markets, and emerging culinary scene make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.
- Taipei is a bustling metropolis known for its modern skyline dominated by Taipei 101, as well as its lively night markets and historic temples. The city’s blend of traditional and contemporary culture makes it a fascinating destination.
- Tunis: The vibrant capital of Tunisia, Tunis, is known for its bustling medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with souks, mosques, and historic buildings. The nearby ruins of Carthage offer a fascinating journey into ancient history.
Conclusion
Etihad is again in expansion mode after significantly reducing its route network due to losing billions on its Equity Alliance (which is pretty much all bankrupt and/or gone by now) and trying to compete with Emirates and Qatar to become a super-connector.
This opens up more redemption opportunities for frequent fliers that are part of programs, like Aeroplan or AAdvantage, that have partnered with Etihad, an airline that is not part of any alliance (why don’t they join Star Alliance).
I like Abu Dhabi more than Dubai and don’t mind spending a few nights there when connecting. It is just more manageable and less grandeur than Dubai.
