Etihad Airways Celebrates its First-ever Flight to Atlanta

Etihad has announced a new service to Atlanta, marking the airline’s fifth United States gateway. The expansion connects the U.S. with Abu Dhabi and beyond. The flight will be operated by Etihad’s next-generation aircraft, the A350.

Route expansion

This expansion provides easier access for Southern U.S. travellers to experience the unique blend of culture, leisure and innovative experience in Abu Dhabi. Etihad touched down in Atlanta July 2, 2025. The flight, which originated at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and landed at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, makes Atlanta the fifth U.S. gateway in Etihad’s vast network. 

This expansion is a milestone in Etihad’s North American expansion, joining New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Boston. Travellers from Abu Dhabi will be able to save time on arrival as they benefit from the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport. This means passengers will arrive as domestic travellers in the United States, having cleared immigration and customs in Abu Dhabi.

This new route was made to meet customers’ increasing demand for travel between the UAE and the US for business or leisure. Travellers from Abu Dhabi will not be benefiting from the route alone, as passengers from the Southeastern US can now experience Abu Dhabi’s culture, rich heritage, and gorgeous beaches.

Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer at Etihad Airways, stated that the new service enhances access to the southeastern US while offering a seamless connection across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia. He mentioned Atlanta’s deep cultural, economic, and aviation significance and that the travellers’ response to the new route has been phenomenal. So much so that they have announced daily flights starting later this year. He said, 

“With the U.S. Preclearance at Zayed International Airport, guests can enjoy the convenience of arriving in Atlanta as domestic travellers. We’re delighted to bring our award-winning experience to guests travelling to and from Atlanta.”

Flight schedule

Operating this service is Etihad’s next-generation Airbus A350-1000. The aircraft is fuel-efficient and environmentally advanced, promising a quieter ride. It is the airline’s latest onboard product on key long-haul routes. Initially, the route was launched with four flights per week; however, due to travellers’ enthusiasm and early bookings, according to Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad has had to initiate daily flights, effective November 2025. The specific date has not been given.

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