Etihad Announces Nonstop Flights Between Abu Dhabi and Charlotte

Updated: May 16, 2025, 1:12pm CDT

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Eithad Will Fly to Charlotte Next Year
Flying Etihad From The U.S. to Abu Dhabi and Beyond
Final Thoughts

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Etihad is set to become the first of the 3 major Middle Eastern carriers to fly to Charlotte (CLT).

The Abu Dhabi-based airline has announced a new route to the busiest airport in North Carolina, well before its scheduled start date of May 4, 2026.

“Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO at Etihad.

Let’s take a look at this exciting new route.

Eithad Will Fly to Charlotte Next Year

Etihad has chosen Charlotte (CLT) as its sixth U.S. destination. It may seem like a surprising addition, as Etihad currently doesn’t offer nonstop service to other major markets like Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO). (Etihad flew to both cities before the pandemic, but the routes have yet to resume.)

Still, Charlotte is a rapidly growing commercial hub that also happens to be one of American Airlines’ largest hubs, and the 2 carriers maintain a partnership.

When Etihad commences service next year, it will offer the city’s only nonstop connection to the Middle East. Flights will operate 4 times weekly with Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Dubai Airshow Etihad new 787 Dreamliner economy cabin — Economy class on the newest version of Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Details regarding the exact schedule and pricing will be released closer to the start date.

However, the airline has confirmed that the departure and arrival times at Abu Dhabi (AUH) will facilitate passengers wishing to connect to Etihad’s expansive onward network. We can also presume that travelers originating in the Middle East or further afield will be able to leverage AA’s enormous network from its Charlotte hub.

Flying Etihad From The U.S. to Abu Dhabi and Beyond

Etihad currently flies nonstop from Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), and Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Abu Dhabi. In July, the airline will commence service to Atlanta (ATL).

Etihad US routes — Map of Etihad’s U.S. route network as of May 2026. Image Credit: Great Circle Mapper

Eithad offers some of the best business and first class experiences in the world. The unique Residence experience onboard its Airbus A380 is often described as the best first class in the sky.

Another perk of flying with Etihad is that Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has a U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance facility, meaning passengers flying Etihad to the U.S. effectively arrive as domestic passengers, negating the need to pass through immigration upon arrival.

Hot Tip:

Thanks to points and miles, you can experience Etihad’s business and first class products without breaking the bank!

Final Thoughts

While we wouldn’t necessarily have picked Charlotte as Etihad’s next U.S. addition, we can see this route performing well once it finally starts almost a year from now. We look forward to seeing where Etihad decides to fly to next!