Etihad Airways has touched down in Atlanta for the first time, expanding its U.S. footprint and connecting the cultural and commercial heart of the U.S. 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 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport touched down on July 2, making Atlanta the fifth U.S. gateway in Etihad’s global network, joining New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Boston.
Guests traveling from Abu Dhabi benefit from the convenience of the United States 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 U.S. immigration and customs before departure, arriving in the United States as domestic travelers and saving valuable time on arrival.
The newly launched route meets the growing appetite for travel between the UAE and the U.S., catering to business travelers, vacationers and those visiting friends and family. The new service is operated using Etihad’s next-generation Airbus A350-1000, a fuel-efficient, environmentally advanced aircraft offering a quieter ride, and the airline’s latest onboard product on key long-haul routes.
The Atlanta route launched with four flights per week, but record-high load factors and early bookings have prompted Etihad to fast-track expansion, with daily flights set to commence from November 2025.
The Business Class offers 44 Business Suites, each with a sliding door providing each guest with enhanced privacy within their suite. In addition to the direct aisle access, every Business Class seat is designed for maximum comfort and converts into a fully flat bed of 79 inches in length, with ample storage for convenience. Noise-canceling headphones and an 18.5-inch TV screen provide a cinematic experience to enjoy Etihad’s in-flight entertainment offering. The seats also feature a built-in wireless charging dock and Bluetooth headphone pairing.
The A350 is also home to 327 Economy Smart Seats with an innovative recline, 13-inch touch screen with Bluetooth headset pairing. All guests can also take advantage of complimentary chat packages on Wi-Fi or opt for full surfing throughout the flight.
For more information, visit www.etihad.com.
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