Etihad Airways has commenced flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina this week, further expanding the airline’s strong footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and enhancing travel options for guests across religious, business and leisure segments.
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The resumed direct service connects Abu Dhabi with Medina, one of the most spiritually significant cities in the world and a key destination for visitors performing religious travel throughout the year. The route will support growing demand from pilgrims and travellers across the world seeking seamless connections to the Kingdom’s holy city.
Medina becomes the latest addition to Etihad’s operations in the Kingdom, reinforcing the UAE’s national carrier as a major facilitator of travel to and from Saudi Arabia. With the launch of flights to Medina, Etihad will operate 93 flights per week to five cities across the Kingdom, flying four times per day to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and three services per week to Al Qassim. This expansion is part of Etihad’s ambitious growth strategy, announcing 31 new destinations in a year.
Etihad will operate 5 weekly flights to Medina using Airbus A321 aircraft, increasing to 6 weekly flights later this year. The service provides a smooth and comfortable journey for guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and the Kingdom, offering Etihad’s welcoming hospitality across both Business and Economy cabins.
Medina welcomes millions of visitors annually to experience its deep-rooted Islamic heritage, historic mosques, and serene atmosphere. Travellers can explore sites of profound religious significance, vibrant local markets, and the city’s contemporary cultural attractions.
Visitors connecting from Etihad’s extensive network onwards to Medina, can take advantage of a complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover, with two free nights in one of Abu Dhabi’s top hotels. Abu Dhabi offers a blend of enriching culture, modern architecture, and world-class entertainment, including the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Beyond the mosque, the UAE’s capital offers a dynamic range of attractions on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Team Labs Phenomena to the beautiful beaches or many theme parks.
The launch of Medina marks an important milestone in Etihad’s growth strategy, as the airline significantly expands its network across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. In October, the UAE’s national carrier inaugurated flights to Sumatra (Medan), Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, and Krabi, while this November the airline has already launched flights to Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong and Tunis.