ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY) announces expansion into Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT), becoming the first airline from the Middle East to connect with one of America’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
Starting May 4, 2026, the airline will operate 4 weekly flights aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marking Charlotte as Etihad’s sixth U.S. destination and strengthening the strategic aviation partnership between the United Arab Emirates and the United States.
Charlotte, North Carolina; Photo- Etihad AirwaysEtihad Goes to Charlotte
Etihad Airways’ decision to launch direct flights to Charlotte (CLT) represents a significant milestone in the carrier’s U.S. expansion strategy.
Charlotte becomes the airline’s sixth American destination. This adds to the established routes to New York (JFK), Chicago (ORD), Washington (IAD), Boston (BOS), and the soon-to-launch Atlanta (ATL).
The 4 weekly flights will operate on the airline’s modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The aircraft features the carrier’s internationally recognised premium service in both Business and Economy cabins.
Photo: By Md Shaifuzzaman Ayon | Wikimedia CommonsExecutive Remarks
“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…We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travellers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO, Etihad Airways
The expansion establishes Etihad (EY) as the pioneering Middle Eastern carrier to offer direct service to Charlotte. This further cements the airline’s commitment to developing its North American presence.
By targeting Charlotte (CLT), Etihad gains entry to a rapidly developing metropolitan area that serves as a critical financial and transportation hub for the American Southeast.
Photo- Charlotte Douglas International AirportStrategic Hub
Charlotte has emerged as one of America’s fastest-growing urban centres. It boasts a robust economy anchored by major financial institutions, technology firms, and manufacturing companies. The city serves as headquarters for numerous Fortune 500 corporations and attracts substantial business travel throughout the year.
Beyond its commercial importance, Charlotte offers visitors diverse cultural attractions, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame, a vibrant arts district, and numerous historical sites.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) status as the world’s sixth busiest airport for aircraft movements in 2024 underscores the region’s growing significance in global aviation.
This strategic position allows Etihad to tap into both origin-destination traffic and connecting passengers moving throughout the southeastern United States.
Photo: Arik De, EtihadEnhanced Connectivity
The new service features carefully planned departure times, with early morning flights leaving Abu Dhabi (AUH) and midday returns from Charlotte (CLT).
This scheduling maximises connection opportunities for travellers from both cities, allowing seamless access to destinations across Etihad’s international network.
Passengers travelling from Charlotte (CLT) will gain convenient one-stop connections to cities throughout the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi-based travellers will enjoy direct access to Charlotte and easy connections to destinations throughout the American Southeast.
Charlotte International Airport Terminal; Photo: Gresham SmithImmigration
A significant advantage for U.S.-bound passengers is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi.
This service allows travellers to complete immigration and customs procedures before departure, enabling them to arrive in Charlotte as domestic passengers and bypass lengthy entry formalities upon arrival.
Tickets for the new Charlotte service are now available for purchase through Etihad’s website and authorized travel agencies, with the inaugural flight scheduled for May 4, 2026.
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