7 new destinations join Etihad’s fast-growing network

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Tibilisi, the capital city of Georgia

Etihad Airways is continuing its ambitious international expansion, with the addition of flights to seven new destinations across the Gulf, Caucasus and Central Asia.

With these latest additions, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier has now launched or announced 27 new routes within a 12-month period, marking one of the most aggressive growth phases in the airline’s history.

The new services will connect Abu Dhabi to key cities in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Romania, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Armenia and Saudi Arabia.

Bookings for the seven new destinations open mid-July 2025, with the new Abu Dhabi–Medina route launching in November 2025 and the remaining six routes starting in March 2026.

These additions follow an already busy 2025 for the airline, which has added direct flights to Warsaw, Prague, Sochi and Atlanta, with 13 more routes set to begin by the end of the year. Etihad also revealed three seasonal summer destinations for 2026: Krakow, Salalah, and Kazan.

Etihad’s goal, said CEO Antonoaldo Neves, is to “bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi”, and introduce UAE travellers to these culture-rich destinations that are within a few hours’ flight time.

“From the spiritual significance of Medina to the historic charm of Tbilisi and Yerevan, and the modern vibrancy of cities like Baku and Almaty, each destination adds depth to our growing network and attracts travellers with diverse interests,” he adds.

Services to seven new destinations

Among the newly announced routes, the Abu Dhabi to Madinah service will begin on 9 November 2025, operating six times a week.

The route is expected to enhance pilgrimage and religious tourism options between the UAE and Saudi, linking the capital with one of the holiest cities in Islam and home to the Prophet’s Mosque.

Madinah, Saudi Arabia

On 2 March 2026, Etihad will launch 10 weekly flights to Baku. Travel between the UAE and Azerbaijan has been booming, with a 32.8% increase in 2024 alone, according to data from Wego.

Perched on the Caspian Sea, Baku’s mix of futuristic architecture, historic palaces and new hospitality developments, spurred in part by hosting COP29, make it an increasingly attractive destination.

Etihad’s first-ever flights to Armenia will connect Abu Dhabi to Yerevan with 10 weekly services starting 9 March 2026.

Just a three-hour journey from the UAE, Yerevan has become more accessible thanks to visa-free entry for GCC residents for up to 90 days. The city is among the oldest continuously inhabited in the world, offering ancient monasteries, tree-lined boulevards, art galleries, and a distinctly European café culture.

Historical old city of Baku in Azerbaijan

From 13 March 2026, the airline will fly eight times a week to Tbilisi, capital of Georgia, a perennial favourite among travellers from the Gulf. With its cobbled streets, thermal baths, wine traditions and mountain views, Georgia continues to attract visitors seeking adventure and culture.

Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, will join Etihad’s network on 16 March 2026, with eight weekly flights.

Known for its alpine scenery, ski resorts and leafy parks, Almaty is gaining recognition as a gateway to Central Asia and a draw for both leisure and business travellers.

Almaty in Kazakhstan

On the same day, Etihad will introduce a four-times-weekly route to Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital. The city offers a blend of grand architecture, lively streets and vibrant culture.

Finally, on 17 March 2026, Etihad will launch six weekly flights to Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, which offers visitors a taste of the Silk Road’s vast heritage with its compelling mix of Islamic architecture, Soviet-era landmarks, wide boulevards, modern cafes and old-world bazaars.

For more information, visit www.etihad.com