Etihad Airways has commenced flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina this week, further expanding the airline’s strong footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and enhancing travel options for guests across religious, business and leisure segments.

The resumed direct service connects Abu Dhabi with Medina, one of the most spiritually significant cities in the world and a key destination for religious travellers year-round. The route will support growing demand from pilgrims and travellers worldwide seeking seamless connections to the Kingdom’s holy city.

Medina becomes the latest addition to Etihad’s operations in the Kingdom, reinforcing the UAE’s national carrier as a major facilitator of travel to and from Saudi Arabia. With the launch of flights to Medina, Etihad will operate 93 flights per week to five cities across the Kingdom, flying four times per day to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and three services per week to Al Qassim. This expansion is part of Etihad’s ambitious growth strategy, announcing 31 new destinations in a year.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “The launch of Medina reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia, one of our most important markets. Medina carries profound cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people, and we are honoured to provide convenient travel through Abu Dhabi to this culturally and spiritually important city. With this new route, we look forward to supporting religious travel and providing guests with greater access, choice and convenience through our home in Abu Dhabi.”

Etihad will operate five weekly flights to Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, increasing to six weekly flights later this year. The service provides a smooth and comfortable journey for guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and the Kingdom, offering Etihad’s welcoming hospitality across both Business and Economy cabins.

Medina welcomes millions of visitors annually to experience its deep-rooted Islamic heritage, historic mosques, and serene atmosphere. Travellers can explore sites of profound religious significance, vibrant local markets, and the city’s contemporary cultural attractions.

Visitors connecting from Etihad’s extensive network to Medina can take advantage of a complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover, with two free nights at one of Abu Dhabi’s top hotels. Abu Dhabi offers a blend of enriching culture, modern architecture, and world-class entertainment, including the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Beyond the mosque, the UAE’s capital offers a dynamic range of attractions on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Team Labs Phenomena to beautiful beaches and many theme parks.

With Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, guests flying from Medina can also enjoy smooth connections to Etihad’s extensive network across Asia, Australia and Europe.

Etihad’s Expanding Footprint
The launch of Medina marks an essential milestone in Etihad’s growth strategy, as the airline significantly expands its network across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. In October, the UAE’s national carrier inaugurated flights to Sumatra (Medan), Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, and Krabi, while this November the airline has already launched flights to Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong and Tunis.

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