Madinah, Saudi Arabia – Etihad Airways this week began operating flights from Abu Dhabi to Madinah, reinforcing its strong presence in Saudi Arabia and expanding travel options for guests in the religious, business and leisure tourism categories.

The resumed direct service connects Abu Dhabi with Medina, one of the world's most important religious cities and a major destination for pilgrims year-round. This service will meet the growing demand from pilgrims and travelers from around the world seeking seamless journeys to the holy city.

Madinah is the latest addition to Etihad Airways’ operations in the Kingdom, further solidifying the UAE’s national carrier’s position as a major player in travel to and from Saudi Arabia. With the launch of flights to Madinah, Etihad will operate 93 weekly flights to five Saudi cities, including four daily flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, and three weekly flights to Al-Qassim. This expansion is part of Etihad’s ambitious growth strategy, which includes the launch of 31 new destinations within a year.

Antonualdo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “The launch of our flights to Madinah is an important step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s connection with Saudi Arabia, one of our most important markets. Madinah holds a deep cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people, and we are honored to offer them convenient travel via Abu Dhabi to this important city. With this new route, we look forward to supporting religious travel and providing more choice and flexibility for our guests through our hub in Abu Dhabi.”

Etihad will operate five weekly flights to Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, increasing to six weekly flights later this year. The service offers a comfortable and seamless journey between Abu Dhabi and the Kingdom, with Etihad's renowned hospitality in both Business and Economy Class.

Medina welcomes millions of visitors annually to explore its rich Islamic heritage, historic mosques, and tranquil atmosphere. Travelers can visit religious sites, traditional markets, and modern cultural landmarks in the city.

Guests traveling via Etihad Airways’ extensive network to Medina can take advantage of the complimentary stopover package in Abu Dhabi, which includes a free two-night stay at one of the capital’s premier hotels. Abu Dhabi offers a rich blend of culture, modern architecture, and world-class entertainment, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, as well as iconic destinations on Yas and Saadiyat Islands such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Team Labs Phenomena experience, and a variety of beaches, leisure facilities, and theme parks.

Thanks to Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, travelers from Medina can enjoy seamless connections to Etihad’s extensive network across Asia, Australia and Europe.

Etihad Airways' growing expansion

The launch of Medina marks a significant milestone in Etihad's growth strategy, as the airline continues to expand its network across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. In October, Etihad launched flights to Sumatra (Medane), Cambodia (Phnom Penh), Addis Ababa, and Krabi, and this month it inaugurated flights to Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Tunis.

Flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and Medina (local time)

About Etihad Airways :

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was founded in 2003 and quickly became one of the world’s leading airlines. Based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad operates passenger and cargo flights across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America. Etihad’s network, along with its codeshare partners, provides access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior services and products, cargo offerings, frequent flyer program, and other distinctive features. For more information, please visit etihad.com

For more information, please contact:

Duty Media Officer

Etihad Aviation Group

Mobile phone: +971508189596

Mailing address: dutymediaofficer@etihad.ae

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