UAE: Etihad Airways announces 7 new routes, including Medina and Baku, launching November 2025

TL;DR:

• Etihad Airways is launching seven new destinations, including Medina and Baku, starting November 2025.
• These routes are part of a broader strategy to boost Abu Dhabi's status as a global travel hub.
• The expansion comes amid Wizz Air's exit from Abu Dhabi, opening opportunities for Etihad.

Etihad Airways is expanding its network with seven new destinations: Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Medina, Tbilisi, Tashkent, and Yerevan. This move aims to enhance Abu Dhabi's position as a global travel hub. The new routes will be available for booking soon, with services beginning in March 2026, except for Medina, which starts in November 2025.

Strategic Expansion to Key Destinations:

Medina, Saudi Arabia: A significant addition, Medina offers religious tourism opportunities, complementing Etihad's existing services to Mecca.

Baku, Azerbaijan: Baku's growing tourism sector and cultural heritage make it an attractive destination for travelers.

Almaty, Kazakhstan: Almaty serves as a gateway to Central Asia, appealing to both business and leisure travelers.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan: Tashkent's rich history and emerging market potential are key factors in its selection.

Yerevan, Armenia: Yerevan's unique cultural offerings and proximity to Europe enhance its appeal.

Bucharest, Romania: Bucharest is a growing hub for business and tourism in Eastern Europe.

Tbilisi, Georgia: Tbilisi's scenic landscapes and historical sites attract a diverse range of visitors.

Strengthening Abu Dhabi's Global Position
These new routes are part of Etihad's strategy to increase point-to-point traffic through Abu Dhabi. The expansion aims to bolster the city's role in tourism, culture, and commerce.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, in a statement to Emirates News Agency (WAM) said,
“ Our goal is clear, we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. These new routes connect us to fast-growing, culturally rich regions and will help stimulate demand for tourism and trade in the UAE’s capital.”

Filling the Gap Left by Wizz Air’s Departure
Wizz Air plans to stop flying to and from Abu Dhabi by September 2025. The airline faced issues like political tensions and difficulties in running its services smoothly. With Wizz Air leaving, Etihad has a chance to expand its flights and offer more travel options to passengers who want dependable connections through Abu Dhabi.

FAQs

• 1. When will the new routes be available for booking?

Bookings for the new destinations will open in the coming days, with services commencing in March 2026, except for Medina, which starts in November 2025.

• 2. How will these new routes impact travelers?

Travelers will benefit from increased connectivity to culturally rich and emerging destinations, enhancing travel options and convenience.

• 3. What led to Wizz Air's exit from Abu Dhabi?

Wizz Air cited geopolitical instability, supply chain issues, and limited market access as reasons for ceasing operations in Abu Dhabi.