Etihad Airways has announced a new nonstop route connecting Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), marking its latest expansion into the United States. The service is set to commence on July 2, 2025, operating four times weekly and providing a direct connection between the Middle East and one of the busiest airports in the U.S.
Route Details
The Abu Dhabi-Atlanta flights will be operated using Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, featuring Etihad’s latest premium cabin design. The aircraft offers 44 business class seats, each with lie-flat capabilities and direct aisle access, alongside 327 economy seats with enhanced legroom and entertainment options.
Travelers departing from Abu Dhabi will benefit from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility, allowing them to complete immigration procedures in Abu Dhabi and arrive in Atlanta as domestic travelers, streamlining the entry process.
Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with schedules designed to facilitate connections to key destinations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia via Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub.
Strategic Expansion Plan
The Atlanta route is part of Etihad’s broader expansion strategy, which includes the introduction of 10 new destinations in 2025. Other cities in the expansion include Hong Kong, Algiers, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Krabi, Phnom Penh, Taipei, Tunis, and Medan. This ambitious rollout reflects Etihad’s commitment to enhancing its global footprint and catering to growing demand for international travel.
With Atlanta joining the network, Etihad will serve five U.S. cities, including New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Washington D.C. (IAD), and Boston (BOS). The addition of Atlanta positions Etihad to compete more effectively with Qatar Airways, the only other Middle Eastern carrier currently serving ATL.
Atlanta is home to one of the world’s busiest airports and a key gateway for both business and leisure travelers. This new route not only strengthens ties between the U.S. and the UAE but also provides travelers from Atlanta with seamless access to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Etihad Airways, emphasized the importance of the new route: “Atlanta represents a significant milestone in our U.S. expansion, connecting our global network with one of America’s most vital aviation hubs.”
Looking Ahead
Tickets for the Abu Dhabi to Atlanta route will be available for booking soon, with competitive fares expected to attract both leisure and corporate travelers. As Etihad continues to expand its network, the Atlanta route underscores the airline’s dedication to meeting passenger demand for convenient, high-quality travel options.
