Etihad Airways Launches Direct Flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina

Post by : Raina Nasser

Etihad Airways has officially introduced direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Medina, signifying an important enhancement of its Saudi operations. The inaugural flight was fully booked, indicating a robust interest in this new service.

This new route increases Etihad’s weekly flights to five Saudi Arabian cities—Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Qassim, and now Medina—bringing the overall total to 93. The expansion is part of Etihad’s ambitious growth plan, which has seen the airline enhance its network with 31 new destinations in the past year, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a central travel hub.

Passenger Convenience with Flexible Schedules

Etihad will provide five weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Medina utilizing Airbus A321 aircraft, with plans to increase to six flights later this year. Both Business and Economy cabins will be available, ensuring a comfortable experience for travelers.

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

• For EY633, departure from Abu Dhabi is at 14:30, reaching Medina at 16:25 on Wednesdays and Fridays.

• Return flights EY632 and EY634 leave Medina in the afternoon and evening, arriving back in Abu Dhabi the same day.

Passengers traveling to Medina can benefit from Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme, which includes two complimentary nights in select hotels, promoting Abu Dhabi as a global center for culture, leisure, and entertainment.

Strengthening Middle Eastern Connectivity

Etihad’s new service to Medina underscores its devotion to enhancing connectivity across the Middle East. Medina, a city of great cultural and spiritual importance, draws millions of pilgrims and tourists each year.

“Medina holds substantial cultural and spiritual importance for millions globally, and we are privileged to offer seamless travel through Abu Dhabi to this key destination,” stated Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.

Recently, Etihad expanded its global footprint with additional destinations including Medan, Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Tunis. These new routes emphasize the airline's commitment to linking Abu Dhabi with crucial growth regions across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

Etihad’s expansion in Saudi Arabia aligns with the Kingdom’s wider tourism and infrastructure objectives, aiding in the Vision 2030 initiative aimed at attracting 150 million visitors each year. The Abu Dhabi–Medina route is poised to enhance travel, business prospects, and cultural exchanges between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Through this launch, Etihad aims to fortify its role as a leading regional carrier, delivering smooth, comfortable, and culturally enriching travel experiences.