Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has touched down in Atlanta for the first time, expanding its U.S. footprint and connecting the cultural and commercial heart of the U.S. Southeast with Abu Dhabi and beyond. The launch marks another milestone in Etihad’s expansion in North America.
Etihad’s first flight from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport touched down on 2 July, making Atlanta the fifth U.S. gateway in Etihad’s global network, joining New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Boston.

Guests travelling from Abu Dhabi benefit from the convenience of the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport – the only one of its kind in the region. Passengers can complete U.S. immigration and customs procedures before departure, allowing them to arrive in the United States as domestic travellers and save valuable time upon arrival.
 
The newly launched route meets the growing appetite for travel between the UAE and the U.S., catering to business travellers, vacationers, and those visiting friends and family.

It also makes it easier for guests from across the southeastern U.S. to visit Abu Dhabi and experience a city where modernity meets rich heritage, offering a vibrant mix of culture, adventure, relaxation and stunning beaches.
 
Etihad operates the new service using its state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000. This fuel-efficient, environmentally advanced aircraft offers a quieter ride and the airline’s latest onboard product on key long-haul routes.

The Atlanta route launched with four flights per week, but record-high load factors and remarkable early bookings have prompted Etihad to fast-track expansion, with daily flights set to commence from November 2025. Demand from both leisure and corporate segments has exceeded expectations, firmly establishing Atlanta as a key market for Etihad.

 Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Atlanta is a dynamic city with deep cultural, economic and aviation significance. This new service enhances access to the southeastern United States while offering seamless connections across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia. 
 
“With U.S. Preclearance at Zayed International Airport, guests can enjoy the convenience of arriving in Atlanta as domestic travellers. We’re delighted to bring our award-winning experience to guests travelling to and from Atlanta.
 
“It also means we’re excited to welcome even more guests to our amazing home in Abu Dhabi. U.S. travellers are already curious about what the city has to offer: from beautiful beaches and fantastic theme parks to world-class cultural experiences and mouthwatering cuisine. The response to this route has been phenomenal – the strength of early bookings has been so impressive that we’ve already announced daily flights starting later this year. It’s a clear sign that travellers are eager to discover everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.”  

The elevated Business Class is home to 44 Business Suites, each featuring a sliding door that provides enhanced privacy for each guest within their suite. Every Business Class seat offers direct aisle access, ensuring maximum comfort and relaxation for passengers. It converts into a fully flat bed measuring 79 inches in length, with ample storage for added convenience. Noise-cancelling headphones and an 18.5-inch TV screen provide a cinematic experience to enjoy Etihad’s extensive in-flight entertainment offering. The Business seats also feature a built-in wireless charging dock and Bluetooth headphone pairing.
 
The design of Document Number 1 features 327 Economy Smart Seats, which include an innovative recline option and a 13-inch touch screen with Bluetooth headset pairing capabilities. All guests can also take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi packages or opt for full internet access throughout the flight.

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