Etihad Boosts Network, Adds Atlanta and 9 Additional Routes

Updated: November 25, 2024, 7:31am CST

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Fly Nonstop From Atlanta to Abu Dhabi From Summer 2025
How To Book Etihad Flights
Final Thoughts

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Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) will welcome nonstop service to Abu Dhabi (AUH) with Etihad Airways next year.

In an announcement revealing 10 new destinations, Atlanta is the only U.S. city that features in the network expansion of the UAE’s flag carrier airline.

“This moment is not just about expanding our network; it’s about sharing Abu Dhabi with the world,” said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer at Etihad.

Let’s take a closer look at this huge network update and how it will benefit U.S.-based travelers.

Fly Nonstop From Atlanta to Abu Dhabi From Summer 2025

As a global hub and one of the busiest airports on the planet, it’s no wonder Etihad has chosen Atlanta to feature in its latest route network expansion.

When the route launches on July 2, 2025, Atlanta will become the airline’s fifth U.S. destination, joining Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and Washington, D.C. (IAD).

Etihad will operate to the Georgia state capital on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays with the following schedule:

Depart Abu Dhabi (AUH) 9:30 a.m. — Arrive Atlanta (ATL) 4:30 p.m.
Depart Atlanta (ATL) 10 p.m. — Arrive Abu Dhabi 7:30 p.m. (+1)

The airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus A350-1000 will operate the route. This jet features just 2 classes: economy and business.

The route will be the first and only nonstop service connecting the 2 cities, which is great for those who prefer long-haul trips without a layover.

What’s more, travelers departing Atlanta will be able to connect onto Etihad flights in Abu Dhabi to dozens of destinations in Africa, Asia, and Oceania.

Following the launch of Atlanta, Etihad will continue to add routes throughout the year with a focus on Asia and North Africa.

New services will depart to Algiers, Algeria (ALG); Chiang Mai, Thailand (CNX); Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN); Hong Kong (HKG); Krabi, Thailand (KBV); Medan, Indonesia (KNO); Phnom Penh, Cambodia (PNH); Taipei, Taiwan (TPE); and Tunis, Tunisia (TUN).

Hot Tip:

When flying to the U.S. from Abu Dhabi, passengers clear U.S. customs and immigration before departure, meaning you arrive in the U.S. as a domestic passenger.

How To Book Etihad Flights

According to Etihad’s fare comparison tool, the cheapest economy round-trip on the new route starts at $1,834 for a 13-hour+ trip.

Etihad ATL economy fares — Image Credit: Etihad

You’ll get more value for your money when considering a trip from Atlanta with a layover in Abu Dhabi. For example, adding on a second flight to Bangkok (BKK) only increases the fare by around $160:

Atlanta to Bangkok fares with Etihad in economy — Image Credit: Etihad

While a nonstop route is great for connectivity, flying nonstop between the 2 cities will cost half as much if you add in a layover with a competitor such as Turkish Airlines:

Atlanta to Abu Dhabi with Turkish Airlines — Flying with a layover in Istanbul (IST) brings the cost down by over half! Image Credit: Google Flights

Alternatively, you could also use miles if you’re determined to fly Etihad’s nonstop route to Atlanta:

177,126 is a hefty price for a round-trip in economy. Image Credit: Etihad.

Hot Tip:

Using Etihad’s own miles currency is an expensive way to travel on its new route. However, using another airline’s miles to fly Etihad can cost significantly fewer miles. For example, a one-way in business class between the U.S. and Abu Dhabi starts from 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles! That’s less than an economy round-trip when using Etihad’s own mileage currency.

Final Thoughts

Etihad’s new nonstop route to Atlanta is an exciting addition for the city and the wider state of Georgia.

The high introductory cash rates could lead travelers between Atlanta and Abu Dhabi to consider cheaper options with a layover.