Post by : Rameen Ariff

Etihad Airways has inaugurated a new direct flight service connecting Abu Dhabi to Medina, marking a notable development in its operations within Saudi Arabia. The first flight, which took off earlier this week, was completely booked, demonstrating high demand for this new link.

This route brings Etihad's total weekly flights to five cities in Saudi Arabia—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Qassim, and now Medina—to a total of 93. The new service is part of Etihad's broader expansion strategy, which has included the addition of 31 new destinations over the past year, thereby reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a vital travel hub.

Passenger-Focused Schedule

The airline will operate five weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Medina utilizing Airbus A321 aircraft, with intentions to increase this to six flights later in the year. The service includes both Business and Economy classes, ensuring all travelers enjoy a comfortable experience.

• Flight EY631 departs Abu Dhabi at 08:55, landing in Medina at 10:50 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

• Flight EY633 leaves Abu Dhabi at 14:30, arriving in Medina at 16:25 on Wednesdays and Fridays.

• Return flights EY632 and EY634 will depart in the afternoon and evening, returning travelers to Abu Dhabi on the same day.

Travelers heading to Medina can take advantage of Etihad's Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme, which offers two complimentary nights at selected hotels, promoting Abu Dhabi as a hub for culture and leisure.

Strategic Growth in the Region

Etihad’s entry into Medina underscores its pledge to bolstering connectivity throughout the Middle East. Medina, known for its significant cultural and spiritual heritage, draws millions of pilgrims and tourists each year.

“Medina carries profound cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people, and we are honored to provide convenient travel through Abu Dhabi to this important city,” stated Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.

In recent months, Etihad has expanded its global network with new routes to cities like Medan, Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Tunis, reflecting the airline's ambition to connect Abu Dhabi to key growth hubs across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Contributing to Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Goals

Etihad’s developing footprint in Saudi Arabia aligns with the Kingdom’s overall tourism enhancement objectives, supporting its Vision 2030 initiative to attract 150 million annual visitors. The Abu Dhabi–Medina service is projected to facilitate travel, create new business opportunities, and encourage cultural exchanges between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

This launch reinforces Etihad’s status as a prominent carrier in the region, promoting seamless, comfortable, and culturally enriching travel experiences.

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