Access selected deals available with budget and full-service airlines
Lock any airfare that sounds great. You don’t lose anything if you cancel it
Call us anytime for any assistance. We do not go into hibernation
Your personal and financial information stays secure with us
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, was established by Royal (Amiri) Decree in July 2003 and commenced operations on November 12, 2003. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with its primary hub at Zayed International Airport (AUH), Etihad serves 88 destinations across 50 countries, carrying over 16 million passengers annually as of 2025. Meaning “union” in Arabic, Etihad embodies the UAE’s ambition to connect the world, offering a premium travel experience rooted in Arabian hospitality. As a non-alliance carrier, Etihad maintains strategic partnerships with airlines like Air France, KLM, and Virgin Australia, enhancing its global reach. The airline is renowned for its luxurious offerings, including The Residence, a three-room suite on select Airbus A380s, and has won multiple awards, including World’s Leading Airline at the World Travel Awards.
Etihad Airways launched its first commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to Al Ain in November 2003, followed by international services to Beirut. Under the leadership of inaugural CEO Dr. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, Etihad rapidly expanded, ordering 24 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing in 2004 to establish a modern fleet. By 2006, the airline introduced its signature coral, gold, and purple livery and opened a crew training academy in Abu Dhabi. In 2008, Etihad acquired three Airbus A380s and five Boeing 777-300ERs, enabling long-haul routes to New York, London, and Sydney. The introduction of The Residence in 2014, a private inflight suite with a bedroom, bathroom, and living area, set a new standard for luxury air travel, priced at $25,000–$35,000 one-way.
Etihad’s growth strategy included equity investments in airlines like Air Berlin, Alitalia, and Jet Airways, though financial losses from these ventures led to a 2017 restructuring under new CEO Tony Douglas. The airline reported a $1.7 billion loss in 2016 but returned to profitability in 2022 with $25 million, followed by $143 million in 2023, driven by strong passenger demand and cargo performance. In 2023, Etihad expanded its fleet with five new aircraft and launched routes to Osaka, Copenhagen, and Düsseldorf. The airline’s Sustainability Report 2023 outlined a path to net-zero emissions by 2050, including a 20% emissions intensity reduction by 2025. In 2024, Etihad signed an MoU for up to 150 Boeing 787s and 777Xs, aiming to double its fleet by 2030.
Etihad operates a fleet of 91 aircraft, including Airbus A380s, A350-1000s, A320s, Boeing 787-9/10 Dreamliners, 777-300ERs, and 777 freighters, with an average fleet age of 8.5 years. The A380s serve high-demand routes like London, New York, and Sydney, while A350s and 787s cover long-haul destinations such as Chicago, Tokyo, and Melbourne. In 2025, Etihad added routes to Al Qassim (Saudi Arabia), Bali, and Jaipur, bringing its network to 88 destinations. The airline operates 17 weekly flights to the U.S., including daily services to New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Washington, D.C. (IAD), and four weekly flights to Boston (BOS), with plans to resume Toronto (YYZ) in 2025.
Zayed International Airport, Etihad’s hub, is praised for its modern facilities, including the U.S. Customs Service Pre-Clearance for U.S.-bound passengers. The airline’s cargo division, handling over 600,000 tons annually, supports global trade with a dedicated freighter fleet. Etihad’s codeshare agreements with 23 airlines, including Gulf Air and Turkish Airlines, enhance connectivity, while its “Neighbourfree” seat option allows passengers to bid for adjacent empty seats on select flights.