5 new partners fuel Etihad’s biggest loyalty push in India

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Etihad introduces five new partners at launch event

Etihad is expanding its presence in India as its frequent flyer programme, Etihad Guest, introduces five new partners spanning shopping, dining and travel.

The expansion creates more opportunities for Indian consumers to earn and redeem rewards locally, as the country remains the fastest-growing market for the airline’s global loyalty programme. India currently accounts for more than 13 million members, with 250,000 new enrolments each month, averaging six new sign-ups every minute.

Etihad has also become the first-ever Middle Eastern carrier to partner with The Postcard Hotel, giving members the chance to earn miles on stays across the boutique hotel brand’s properties in India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Members can earn 2,000 miles for two- or three-night bookings, and 4,000 miles plus a complimentary night for stays of four nights or more.

The Postcard Cuelim Goa India Etihad Guest

The Postcard Cuelim hotel in Goa, India

In retail, Etihad Guest has added three major brands to its network. Members can soon earn miles on Swiggy, one of India’s largest on-demand delivery services operating in more than 700 cities, with existing Etihad Guest members receiving six months of complimentary Swiggy One membership.

Similarly, a new partnership with homegrown e-commerce platform Flipkart will allow users to earn and redeem both Etihad Guest miles and Flipkart Supercoins, creating benefits across both loyalty programmes.

Etihad has also become the first-ever airline partner of Shoppers Stop India, one of the country’s top department store chains. Members will soon earn miles on purchases, while current Etihad Guest members can redeem one-year complimentary Platinum status in Shoppers Stop First Citizen loyalty programme until 15 February 2026.

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Further strengthening its financial offering, Etihad will launch the Bobcard Etihad Guest, a co-branded credit card with Bank of Baroda. Members who join before 28 February 2026, will earn double welcome miles.

Commenting on the new partnership, Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad, said: “We’re excited to be the first international airline to expand our presence in such a meaningful way. India is one of the most important markets for Etihad, with 185 flights per week to 11 gateways across the country.”

The expansion builds on recent enhancements to Etihad Guest, including the rebrand of GuestSeat awards as Saver Awards. Members can now redeem miles for any seat across all cabins on Etihad and 26 partner airlines. All tier members booking Business Comfort and Business Deluxe fares are also eligible for complimentary chauffeur services anywhere in the UAE.

For more information, visit etihad.com