Etihad Airways announced on Friday the launch of its nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Charlotte, North Carolina, starting May 4, 2026. With this addition, the airline becomes the first Gulf carrier to offer a direct connection to this U.S. city.
Growing Connectivity with the U.S.
Charlotte will be Etihad’s sixth destination in the United States, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta—the latter scheduled to begin operations on July 2. The route will operate four times a week using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, emphasized: “Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions. We are thrilled to be the first airline from our region to serve this market and look forward to connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
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Charlotte: An Economic, Cultural, and Logistics Hub
Located in the southeastern U.S., Charlotte is a vibrant center for finance, technology, motorsports, and culture. It is home to major American corporations and attracts millions of travelers for both business and leisure. Among its key attractions are the famed NASCAR Hall of Fame, scenic natural routes, and its distinctive Southern charm.
In aviation, Charlotte Douglas International Airport stands out as well. In 2024, it ranked as the sixth busiest airport in the world for aircraft movements, underscoring its growing importance as a global logistics hub.
Operational and Connectivity Advantages
Flights from Abu Dhabi will depart early in the morning, while return flights from Charlotte will take off at midday. This schedule has been strategically designed to facilitate seamless connections across Etihad’s global network, including destinations in the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent, and Asia.
Additionally, passengers traveling from Abu Dhabi to the U.S. enjoy a unique advantage: the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance service at Zayed Airport. This allows them to arrive in Charlotte as domestic passengers, significantly streamlining their entry process.
With this new route, the airline continues to expand its footprint in North America, leveraging the strength of its network and service quality to connect more people to Abu Dhabi and beyond.
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