Etihad Airways is stepping up its premium offering on flights to India, with upgraded cabins now being introduced on routes to Mumbai and New Delhi. The move means passengers flying between the two cities and Abu Dhabi will see a more consistent onboard experience, especially in business and first class.
Premium experience across all flights
The airline is bringing its Airbus A321LR aircraft onto the routes, operating alongside existing wide-body planes. In total, both Mumbai and New Delhi will have four daily Etihad flights, with the aircraft being used on two of those services. This ensures that passengers paying a higher price will get access to upgraded cabins on every flight, rather than just selected departures.
Business class now features lie-flat seats with direct aisle access across all services, something that is usually expected on long-haul routes but less common on narrow-body aircraft.
Narrow-body aircraft with a long-haul feel
One of the more interesting parts of this upgrade is the A321LR itself. While it’s a smaller aircraft, Etihad is using it to deliver a more “wide body style” experience.
The plane includes private “First Suites” with sliding doors, as well as upgraded business seating and improved in-flight entertainment with 4K screens and Bluetooth connectivity.
There are also changes on the ground, with premium passengers able to access services like chauffeur transfers and airport assistance, depending on their ticket type.
Focus on a key market
This upgrade reflects how important India has become for Etihad’s network. The airline already serves multiple destinations across the country, and routes to Mumbai and New Delhi are among its busiest.
By improving the onboard product, Etihad is likely aiming to attract more premium travellers, particularly those connecting onwards to long-haul destinations like London or New York.
Will you be taking advantage of these upgraded cabins? Let us know in the comments below.
