Etihad Airways has started operating direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Medina, expanding its network in Saudi Arabia and providing more travel options for religious, business, and leisure passengers.
Abu Dhabi to Medina flights
The resumed service connects the UAE capital with Medina, one of the most significant cities in the Islamic world. The route is expected to serve growing demand from pilgrims and international travellers seeking easier access to the Kingdom’s holy sites.
With the addition of Medina, Etihad now flies to five destinations in Saudi Arabia. The airline operates 93 weekly flights across the Kingdom, including four daily services to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, and three weekly flights to Al Qassim.
Commitment to Saudi market
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.”
Increased connectivity
Etihad will operate five weekly flights to Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, with plans to increase to six weekly flights later this year. The service offers both Business and Economy cabins.
Passengers connecting through Abu Dhabi can also benefit from Etihad’s complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover, which includes two free hotel nights. The offer allows travellers to explore attractions such as the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Yas Island.
The Medina launch forms part of Etihad’s broader expansion plan, which includes 31 new destinations announced within a year. In recent months, the airline has added routes to Medan, Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Tunis.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
