Etihad Adding 4 Weekly Flights From Abu Dhabi to JFK This Winter

Etihad Airways is the second-largest airline in the United Arab Emirates (behind Emirates). The airline has announced that it is bolstering flights between its hub in Abu Dhabi (AUH) to New York (JFK) starting this winter.

Here’s what you need to know.

Increased Service Begins November 15

Etihad will add 4 weekly flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). The increased service means Etihad will fly 11 flights per week between the 2 cities.

Here’s a look at the schedule:

The announcement will increase Etihad’s service between Abu Dhabi and the U.S. to 25 weekly flights this winter. In addition to New York, the airline also serves Chicago (ORD) and Washington, D.C. (IAD).

“Our New York service continues to perform strongly, and having already experienced record passenger demand this summer, Etihad is excited to be investing further in this market by building on frequency levels ahead of the peak winter travel period,” said Alex Featherstone, Etihad’s Vice President Network Planning & Alliances, in a statement.

Etihad says the new flights will be operated on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, though it isn’t clear whether Etihad will operate the 2-class (business and economy) or 3-class (first, business, and economy) flights.

Existing service will continue to be flown on the 2-class Airbus A350, which seats up to 371 passengers. Both aircraft offer fully lie-flat business class, with the 787 offering a suite-like seat.

Hot Tip: Abu Dhabi International Airport participates in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) pre-clearance program (the only airport in the Middle East to do so), where travelers clear customs and immigration before boarding their flights. Conditionally approved Global Entry applicants can also take advantage of Enrollment on Arrival.

Final Thoughts

This is excellent news, especially for people with travel plans to the Middle East in late fall and early winter. Etihad is one of the world’s best airlines, serving nearly 70 destinations across the globe, and travelers will be treated to the airline’s world-class hospitality no matter which class they’re flying.