Etihad Airways, the national carrier for the United Arab Emirates, officially launched its first direct flight from Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The inaugural direct service took to the Abu Dhabi skies at 23:45 EAT on July 2, 2025, signifying a major expansion in the airline’s North American network and enhanced connectivity to and from the Southeastern United States.

This new direct city-to-city service provides improved travel options for both leisure and business travelers, offering seamless connections to the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, and beyond. Atlanta now becomes Etihad Airways’ fifth U.S. gateway, joining New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Boston. This route complements the airline’s existing connections to other U.S. cities, providing passengers with more options for international travel, particularly to the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.

The Abu Dhabi-Atlanta route is serviced by the latest generation Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, renowned for its superior comfort, efficiency, and excellent in-flight experience. This state-of-the-art aircraft boasts enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, playing a central role in Etihad’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and operating a more environmentally friendly fleet. The A350-1000 features the Airspace by Airbus cabin design, offering passengers more personal space, increased comfort, and modern amenities.

The aircraft’s cabin is designed for long-haul comfort, equipped with 56 Business Class seats that offer fully lie-flat beds, direct aisle access, and extra legroom. Economy Class features upgraded seating, improved legroom, and increased cabin lighting. Passengers can also enjoy the latest in-flight entertainment systems and a healthy onboard atmosphere maintained by an advanced air filtration system.

Initially, the route will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flights will depart Abu Dhabi at 9:20 AM (local time) and arrive in Atlanta at 4:20 PM (local time). The return flight, KQ 109, will depart from Atlanta at 10:00 PM (local time) and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 7:30 PM the following day. Due to strong demand, Etihad plans to increase the frequency of flights on the Abu Dhabi–Atlanta route to daily starting November 2025, catering to the growing travel demand between the United States and the UAE, driven by business connections and tourism opportunities.

The launch of this new route aligns with Etihad Airways’ broader expansion plan, focusing on growing its presence in key global markets, particularly in North America. By enhancing its connectivity with the United States, Etihad aims to strengthen its competitive position in the transatlantic market, offering a convenient and comfortable way to fly between two of the world’s most influential regions. Passengers can book flights via the Etihad Airways website or mobile app, with special promotions and early booking discounts available. Etihad Guest members can also earn and redeem miles for flights on this route.

This new Abu Dhabi to Atlanta route marks an important expansion in Etihad’s global network, offering travelers increased choices between the Middle East and the U.S. As demand for business and leisure travel continues to grow, this route is poised to be a success due to favorable flight frequencies, state-of-the-art facilities, and improved customer care onboard the advanced aircraft. This expansion will continue to fuel Etihad’s growth in North America, enhancing its efforts to offer seamless luxury travel to and from major markets in the U.S. and Canada.