Etihad Airways announced the launch of the first-ever nonstop flights between the UAE and Calgary, creating a new strategic air link between the Middle East and Western Canada. Launching on 3 November 2026, the route marks another step in Etihad’s global expansion and supports Abu Dhabi’s long-term ambitions to drive international trade, tourism and investment. The new service directly links two globally recognised centres of energy, innovation and culture, strengthening economic ties while opening new opportunities for business and leisure travellers alike. It connects Abu Dhabi’s fast-growing economy and cultural offer with Calgary’s role as a centre for energy, advanced manufacturing and innovation, creating a direct corridor for corporate travel, trade engagement and sector collaboration. For leisure travellers, the route brings together two highly distinctive destinations. Visitors from Canada gain direct access to Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, unique experiences, coastal resorts and year-round sunshine, while travellers from the UAE and across Etihad’s global network can explore Calgary’s vibrant city life and its position as the gateway to Alberta and the Canadian Rockies, home to some of North America’s most iconic natural landscapes. Calgary becomes Etihad’s latest long-haul addition, following recent route announcements including Luxembourg and Palma. Each new destination reflects the airline’s strategy of opening new markets with clear economic, trade and tourism relevance, while expanding the range of destinations available to travellers from the UAE and across Etihad’s international network. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “The launch of our Abu Dhabi–Calgary service is both a significant and historic step in Etihad’s global expansion. By creating the only nonstop link between the Middle East and Western Canada, we are opening new opportunities for trade, tourism and …
Read More »Etihad Airways and Tunisair launch codeshare partnership, expanding tourism and travel opportunities from North Africa to Abu Dhabi
Etihad Airways and Tunisair signed a codeshare agreement strengthening air links between North Africa and Abu Dhabi and supporting growing demand for travel, tourism, and business between the two regions. Travellers can book flights between Abu Dhabi and Tunis under either airline’s code on Etihad-operated services. The partnership creates a streamlined booking experience with a single ticket, one check-in, and bags transferred automatically to final destinations. The agreement covers Etihad’s three weekly flights on the Abu Dhabi–Tunis route, which launched 1 November 2025. Flights operate using Etihad’s Airbus A321LR, featuring the airline’s signature hospitality across three cabin with 2 First Suites, 14 Business and 144 Economy seats. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Partnering with Tunisair brings Abu Dhabi closer to travellers across North Africa. We’re seeing strong interest from the region in what Abu Dhabi offers – from business opportunities and trade links to tourism and family connections. This codeshare gives Tunisair’s customers access to our service and product, making Abu Dhabi an easier destination to reach.” Halima Ibrahim Khouaja, Chief Executive Officer at Tunisair, said: “Through this partnership, we are opening new travel opportunities for our customers by connecting the Maghreb and Africa to the Gulf. Abu Dhabi is a strategic market for Tunisair, and our collaboration with Etihad further expands the range of connections available to passengers across our network. This agreement strengthens the air bridge between our regions and underscores Tunisair’s role as a key player in regional connectivity. “ With more than 75 years of expertise, Tunisair has long been a leading carrier, serving not only the Tunisian market but also key destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America, where it …
Read More »Etihad and Vietnam Airlines launch codeshare and frequent flyer partnership
Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines are strengthening travel ties between the UAE and Vietnam with the launch of a new codeshare partnership. The agreement enhances Etihad’s recently launched service between Abu Dhabi and Hanoi. Etihad guests can now access key domestic Vietnamese destinations as well as popular destinations across Asia, with the convenience of a single ticket for the entire journey, one check-in, and automatic baggage transfer throughout. Abu Dhabi becomes the effortless bridge linking Vietnam to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “This partnership with Vietnam Airlines delivers significant value to our guests by unlocking access to some of Asia’s most dynamic and popular destinations. Our new Abu Dhabi-Hanoi service has been warmly received, and this codeshare agreement transforms it into a gateway to Vietnam’s most exciting cities. “Combined with our frequent flyer partnership, which enables loyalty members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles across our combined global networks, this collaboration underscores our commitment to providing our guests with greater flexibility, broader reach, and superior travel experiences.” Nguyen Quang Trung, Director of Corporate Planning and Development, Vietnam Airlines, said: “Vietnam Airlines is pleased to advance our partnership with Etihad Airways through this new codeshare agreement, following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. The collaboration offers seamless access to Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, while allowing more travellers to experience Vietnam Airlines’ signature warmth and hospitality. Together with our expanded frequent-flyer partnership, this agreement enhances convenience, broadens destination choices, and strengthens tourism and economic ties between Vietnam and the UAE.” The codeshare will be implemented gradually, and Vietnam Airlines passengers will gain access to six …
Read More »Etihad expands Thailand network with new Krabi flights
Etihad Airways is strengthening its Southeast Asia network with the addition of Krabi to its Thailand destinations, complementing existing flights to Bangkok and Phuket, celebrating four new routes in one week, including Sumatra (Medan, Indonesia), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). The new route highlights the airline’s commitment to connecting travellers with key leisure and business hubs across the region, while enhancing global connectivity through its Abu Dhabi hub. CEO Antonoaldo Neves said, “By launching four new routes in four countries in one week, we are connecting people, cultures, and economies, while supporting trade and logistics growth across our network. This expansion positions Etihad as a key enabler of regional connectivity and economic exchange.” Krabi marks Etihad’s 11th new destination this year, bringing its global network to 86 destinations, with eight additional routes planned in the next two months. The launches are operated by Etihad’s new Airbus A321LR, offering First Suites, lie-flat Business, and next-generation Economy cabins, combining passenger comfort with operational efficiency. Beyond enhancing travel options, these routes strengthen trade and logistics flows between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, supporting regional supply chains and facilitating cargo movement alongside passenger services. Etihad’s modern fleet enables rapid network expansion, providing scalable capacity to underserved markets while maintaining schedule reliability. With these additions, Etihad continues its trajectory toward 125 destinations by 2030, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s strategic role in global trade and travel.
Read More »Etihad launches direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh
Etihad Airways launched direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Phnom Penh, Cambodia, marking a significant expansion of the airline’s global network. The new service aims to bring travellers closer to the rich cultural heritage and ancient history of Southeast Asia, offering a seamless and comfortable travel experience. The addition of Phnom Penh to Etihad’s route map reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting the UAE with emerging destinations across the region. Passengers can now enjoy direct access to Cambodia’s capital, a city known for its historic temples, vibrant markets, and thriving cultural scene. Etihad has emphasised that the new route has been designed with passenger comfort in mind, promising a smooth journey from departure to arrival. “We are thrilled to welcome travelers on board as we connect Abu Dhabi with Phnom Penh,” said an Etihad spokesperson. “This new route is part of our ongoing strategy to enhance connectivity and make travel easier and more enjoyable for our guests.” The launch comes as global air travel continues to rebound, and Etihad strengthens its position as a leading airline linking the Middle East to Asia. The service is expected to boost tourism and business ties between the UAE and Cambodia
Read More »Etihad Airways’ New A321LR debuts in India on inaugural flight to Kolkata
Etihad Airways has launched its game-changing new A321LR aircraft on all flights to and from Kolkata, bringing a refined luxury experience to the popular Indian route. The sold-out inaugural flight, EY222, touched down at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport (CCU), Kolkata, India at 8.35pm on 24 September. All of Etihad’s eight return flights per week between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata will now be operated by the A321LR. The upgraded A321LR service reinforces Etihad’s commitment to the Indian market where it operates 183 flights per week to 11 destinations across India. The extensive network connects guests seamlessly between India and the Middle East, and conveniently onwards to Europe, Africa and North America. Kolkata, the capital and largest city of the West Bengal state, is an important gateway to India, with Etihad carrying more than 135k passengers annually between the city and Abu Dhabi. Kolkata holds the honour of being recognised as the cultural capital of India, welcoming visitors from around the world to explore the city’s rich heritage and artistic energy. As well as an increase in visitors travelling to India, Etihad is also catering to rising demand from corporate travellers as well as overseas students and those visiting friends and family. The state is also benefitting from an increase in investment in the IT and financial services sectors, which are also driving demand for corporate travel. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “India is an important market for Etihad and we’re incredibly proud to be in Kolkata to welcome our newest aircraft, the A321LR, on its inaugural flight to India. Whether choosing our luxurious First Suites, lie-flat Business seats with direct aisle access and a window-view, or our next-generation Economy …
Read More »
Tourism Breaking News