Etihad Airways Enhances Middle East Connectivity with New Route to Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Friday, April 5, 2024

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled plans to expand its network and improve connectivity in the Middle East. Today, it announced the inclusion of Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia, in its growing list of destinations, bringing the total number of Saudi gateways to four.

This move signals Etihad’s ambition to reach more regions within Saudi Arabia. Starting from June 24, 2024, the airline will operate four weekly flights directly connecting Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Al Qassim’s Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ).

Reflecting on the new service, Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Launching the new service to Al Qassim this year is not just about introducing a new destination; it’s also a celebration of Etihad’s 20 years of connecting Abu Dhabi with the rich culture and economic opportunities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

“This move is aligned with our mission to deliver extraordinary experiences and the opportunity to explore the unique allure of both Abu Dhabi and our new destinations, like Al Qassim. We’re proud to expand our services within the Kingdom and look forward to welcoming passengers to experience our renowned hospitality and service.”

“Furthermore, the exceptional experience awaiting them at Zayed International Airport – Terminal A, our new home, redefines the benchmarks for travel comfort and service excellence, ensuring a memorable journey from start to finish.”

Al Qassim is renowned for its abundant date palm groves, vibrant cultural legacy, and bustling markets, providing a harmonious fusion of Saudi tradition and modern attractions. The introduction of this new route caters to the needs of both corporate voyagers in search of fresh opportunities and adventurers keen on experiencing Saudi Arabia’s rich historical and cultural tapestry in an authentic manner.

And that’s not all.

Commencing from 15 June, Etihad is set to increase its flight frequency to several key destinations and inaugurate flights to Antalya and Jaipur, as previously announced in February.

The number of weekly flights to Thiruvananthapuram and Amman will each be raised by three, reaching a total of 10 and 14 flights respectively. Moreover, there will be an additional three flights to Cairo, making it a total of 24, while Karachi’s flights will be increased to 17 and Colombo’s to 20 per week.

This recent expansion marks a significant 33 percent rise in Etihad’s overall weekly flights, up from 642 last summer to 855 in 2024, and extends the airline’s reach from 65 to 76 destinations, greatly enhancing global connectivity.

The revised schedule and the introduction of new routes aim to enhance the travel experience for passengers by providing greater connectivity and a wider array of travel choices. Passengers will also have the opportunity to enjoy the premium amenities and customer-centric services available at the newly opened Terminal A at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

The updated schedule is now available for booking on etihad.com.

Here is the information presented in a table format:

Frequency Increases

« Back to Page

• Abu Dhabi to Al Qassim Trips Made Easier with Etihad Airways New Direct Flights