Etihad Airways has touched down in Atlanta for the first time, expanding its US footprint and connecting the cultural and commercial heart of the US Southeast with Abu Dhabi and beyond.
The launch marks another milestone in Etihad’s North American expansion.
Etihad’s first flight from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport touched down on July 2, making Atlanta the fifth US gateway in Etihad’s global network, joining New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, and Boston.
Benefit for US-bound passengers at Zayed international Airport
Visitors travelling from Abu Dhabi benefit from the convenience of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance facility at Zayed International Airport – the only one of its kind in the region.
This allows passengers to clear US immigration and customs before departure, arriving in the US as domestic travellers and saving valuable time on arrival.
Etihad’s latest route reflects growing demand
The newly launched route meets the growing appetite for travel between the UAE and the US, catering to business travellers, vacationers, and those visiting friends and family.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO at Etihad Airways, said, “Atlanta is a dynamic city with deep cultural, economic and aviation significance. This new service enhances access to the southeastern US while offering seamless connections across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia.
“With US preclearance at Zayed International Airport, guests can enjoy the convenience of arriving in Atlanta as domestic travellers. We’re delighted to bring our award-winning experience to guests travelling to and from Atlanta.
New routes in Europe announced
The carrier also announced three additional new destinations to further expand its global network.
The airline will add seasonal flights to Kazan, Russia from December this year; as well as Krakow, Poland; and Salalah, Oman in the summer of 2026.
These new routes offer guests more opportunities to discover unique cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
