These services give citizens of other nations who are unable to leave the UAE due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the opportunity to fly home. In some instances, Etihad has also been able to repatriate UAE citizens, and carry fresh produce as belly-hold cargo, on the return segments back to Abu Dhabi.

To date, these services have covered a number of destinations, including the United States, Australia, and Sri Lanka.

All of these operations have been approved by the UAE Government and we continue to work closely with the authorities on the continuation of these types of operations, with a view to expanding the number of flights on the basis of approaches from a number of foreign governments.

Etihad will continue to offer such services, and from 5 April, will operate a regular service to a number of destinations starting with Seoul Incheon, and following with others such as Melbourne, Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta and Amsterdam. These destinations are subject to government approvals.

Once approved, these flights will be available for booking through etihad.com, the mobile app, by calling the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 600 555 666 (UAE), or through a local or online travel agency.

The additional overnight service will be operated between 8 July and 31 August by an Airbus A320 configured with 8 seats in Business and 150 seats in Economy. The extra frequency complements the daily two-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner morning daytime service between the two capitals.

Abu Dhabi – Athens schedule effective 8 July 2020 (all timings are local):

The additional service will be operated by an Airbus A320 configured with 8 seats in Business and 150 seats in Economy.

Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “The introduction of the new fourth daily service to Riyadh is demonstrative of our commitment to the Saudi market, and of the increase in demand on this core route. This has been boosted by warm relationship enjoyed by the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and by the recent easing of entry visa regulations for tourists entering the Kingdom.

“Riyadh is a key market on our global network, and the additional service adds yet more attractive timings to both business and leisure travellers flying between both capitals, as well as more options for travellers connecting through Abu Dhabi onto Etihad’s global network. As Etihad and Saudia continue to strengthen their partnership, the new flight will also provide convenient travel options to our customers, allowing increased codeshare connectivity on joint services.”

Etihad’s narrow-body Airbus A320 family fleet features refreshed cabins, including comfortable recliner seats in Business, while Economy boasts new ergonomic seating, USB charging points, and personal device holders at every seat enabling guests to download its E-BOX Stream wireless entertainment service, with more than 300 hours of movies, TV programming, music, and more, available to stream directly to their own device.

Etihad Airways has a codeshare agreement in place with Saudia. The two airlines place their flight codes on each other’s services between Abu Dhabi and the Saudi Arabian cities of Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh and Medina. Etihad also places its ‘EY’ code on Saudia flights to Peshawar, Multan, Port Sudan and Vienna, while Saudia also places its ‘SV’ code to Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and Ahmedabad, Belgrade, Brisbane, Chengdu, Chicago, Dusseldorf, Lagos, Melbourne, Moscow-Domodedovo, Rabat, Seychelles and Sydney. Subject to regulatory approvals, Saudia will progressively add its code to Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and 11 more destinations in nine countries including Amsterdam, Baku, Brussels, Dublin, Hong Kong, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Phuket, Nagoya, Tokyo and Seoul.

Abu Dhabi – Riyadhschedule effective 8 December 2019 (all timings are local):

*denotes new flights

As part of the agreement, Etihad will offer specific medical travel packages to key markets around the world, delivering a single solution for booking flights, accommodation and medical treatments at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, which covers more than 40 medical and surgical specialties.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As an airline offering specialised services for travellers with pre-existing medical conditions, including the care of our inflight nurse, it is a natural progression for us to partner with such a prestigious medical provider to bring more choice to our guests looking for the perfect medical travel package. Abu Dhabi has seen substantial global investment further strengthening its medical services, and we’re proud to play a part in making this world-class healthcare more easily accessible.”

The move to cooperate on medical travel services was announced as part of both companies’ support for Abu Dhabi’s wider strategy to become a leading centre for medical tourism, announced earlier this year by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health and the Department of Culture and Tourism.

Dr. Rakesh Suri, Chief Executive Officer at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to sign this agreement with Etihad Airways, an organisation that mirrors our dedication to maintaining the highest levels of safety and quality at all times. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s collaboration with Etihad Airways will make our care more accessible for patients and their families than ever before.”

Dr. Nadia Bastaki, Vice President Medical Services, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “This agreement sees two of the UAE’s most respected institutions come together to promote Abu Dhabi as a premier medical travel destination. Our partnership is a natural fit, with both Etihad and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi committed to delivering an unparalleled customer experience in our respective fields.”

With a fleet of more than 108 aircraft flying to destinations across the globe, Etihad Airways will bring Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s complex and critical care services to new markets, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global hub for world-class medical tourism.

Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Senior Vice President, Mubadala Healthcare, said: “As part of our drive to develop a world-class, fully sustainable private healthcare sector in the UAE, Mubadala is working with a range of key partners to manage a growing volume of international patients. This agreement will provide a seamless patient journey that starts from the patient’s home country and takes them through treatment and aftercare at one of the world’s leading hospitals.”

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s international patient services team provides a seamless experience for patients who choose Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi for their specialised medical care. The hospital employs dedicated ‘Patient Ambassadors’ to guide international patients through every step of their journey, including greeting them on arrival and providing medical interpretation services.

In 2018, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi treated 1,380 international patients from more than 93 countries. The hospital provides state-of-the art complex and critical care services, treating some of the region’s sickest patients. Since opening its doors in 2015, it has performed a number of UAE and regional firsts, including the UAE’s first heart, liver and lung transplants. In 2019, it broke ground on a state-of-the-art oncology center, bringing an integrated and transformative approach to diagnosing and treating cancer to the UAE.

International patients who wish to book a consultation or treatment at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi can call +971 2 659 0200 or visit www.clevelandclinicabudhabi.ae/en/international-patients

Etihad will fly to Salalah four times per week between 2 July and 31 August, the peak of the green season.  The flights, to be operated with two-class Airbus A320 aircraft, will depart Abu Dhabi at 8.05am each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, arriving at 10.00am, and enabling guests to begin their break by early afternoon.

Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Salalah is one of the most sought-after destinations in Oman, and Khareef is an amazing season in which to visit. The green mountains and flowing waterfalls are rare and beautiful in this region, and less than two hours flying time from Abu Dhabi. Our new seasonal flights provide a great opportunity to experience this extraordinary destination at one of the best times of the year, either for a short break or an extended period.”     

The flights to Salalah will take to 25 the number of weekly Etihad flights between Abu Dhabi and Oman – 21 to Muscat and four to Salalah. For more information, or to make a booking, visit www.etihad.com.

Timetable: Abu Dhabi – Salalah, effective 2 July 2019 – 31 August 2019:

Flights will depart from Abu Dhabi at 08h05, arriving in Salalah at 10h00 on Tuesdays,Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The return service will depart Salalah at 10h50, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 12h40 on the same days.

Abu Dhabi offers visitors the chance to explore cultural highlights, impressive architecture, world-class theme parks as well as striking beaches and desert landscapes. The city appeals to solo travelers and couples in search of unique travel experiences as well as families looking to create extraordinary memories with children, making it the perfect destination for a holiday within a holiday. 

Etihad is offering two free nights of hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi for all guests booking flights to and from all Etihad destinations via Abu Dhabi. Guests can choose from a range of hotels located across the city including the five-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Intercontinental Abu Dhabi and Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, as well as the Pearl Rotana, Courtyard by Marriott WTC, Crowne Plaza and Radisson Blu. 

The free Abu Dhabi stopover promotion is available for bookings online through etihad.com or via a travel agent made by 1 December for travel until 31 December 2019. 

Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We are extremely pleased that our Abu Dhabi stopover has appealed to so many of our guests and exceeded our expectations in the first month since it launched. This incredible promotion allows us to showcase our extraordinary home to more visitors worldwide. Guests can explore the emirate’s many highlights as well as relax and rejuvenate as they break up their journey.” 

Abu Dhabi visitors can experience cultural masterpieces and architectural highlights including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the newly opened Presidential Palace, Qasr Al Watan. 

Tourists seeking nature can escape to the beautiful sand dunes of the Arabian desert, or find calm on the pristine coastline and beautiful beaches surrounding Abu Dhabi island.  

Adrenalin-seeking adventurers can revel in the thrills of the city’s theme parks including the intense G-force experienced on Ferrari World’s roller-coasters, as well as the rides and attractions at Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. 

Unforgettable desert safari expeditions, a myriad of world-class golf courses and an exceptional range of local and international dining experiences ensures there is something for everyone. 

The advantage of a stopover goes beyond creating two holiday experiences out of one and can also support with combating jetlag. Global travellers on long-haul journeys will benefit from adjusting to the time zone along their journey, arriving at their final destination feeling more refreshed. 

Etihad guests booking online should select a multi-city flight and will be directed to the stopover booking page once the booking is confirmed. Guests then have the option to choose a hotel package with one of the many hotel partners operating this promotion.  With the Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass, visitors to Abu Dhabi can use their Etihad Airways boarding pass to take advantage of discounts at selected attractions, restaurants, spas, beaches and retailers around the city.

Following a number of improvements aimed at enhancing operational fleet efficiencies, Etihad Airways reduced 148,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2018. The savings are equivalent to approximately 1,236 flights between Abu Dhabi and Barcelona or the removal of over 10,200 cars from the road.

Fuel consumption is influenced by several factors such as air traffic management, weight carried and how the aircraft is flown. Last year, the airlines B777-200s were retired in favour of the most fuel efficient commercial aircraft in operation, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, due to its lightweight composite structure.

Captain Sulaiman Yaqoobi , VP Flight Operations, Etihad Airways said: “By increasing collaboration on a monthly basis within the airline’s Flight Operations, Network Operations, Ground Operations areas and Etihad Engineering, Etihad saw noticeable improvements to its fuel savings and emissions profile, a top agenda for a sustainable airline.”

Etihad pilots play a critical role in the airline’s environmental initiatives, significantly increasing savings by analysing insights and flight data to effectively apply key fuel efficiency procedures. Utilising a single engine to taxi the aircraft in and out on the tarmac reduces fuel burn. To reduce drag and conserve fuel, pilots select lower flap settings.

Statistics on reduced engine taxiing as well as reduced flap landings have demonstrated record-breaking results. The achieved savings equated to saving fuel for approximately 1,440 hours of flying time, saving 7,900 tonnes of fuel and eliminating 24,900 tonnes of carbon dioxide. A new app has been introduced to all pilots which provides up-to-date information on current fuel-saving achievements as well as saving opportunities for every flight they are performing.

To manage fuel uplift, aviation regulation dictates a contingency of three per cent should be carried. Approved by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) last year, Etihad Airways adopted a new fuel planning methodology which allows the airline to deviate from the three per cent by demonstrating that analysis of historical statistical data produced a more accurate calculation of actual fuel required.

Several weight reduction projects have also been completed, including a carpet retrofit across the airline’s fleet to a lighter option, the refining of catering loads based on the actual number of passengers on board, and controlling the amount of potable water loaded based on actual requirement. 

An improved engine washing procedure performed at regular intervals to remove environmental deposits, which increase engine workload, also improved efficiency by as much as 0.5 per cent.

Etihad operates a programme of innovative thinking devoted to sustainability and carbon reduction, refined through continuous operational adjustments as well as long-term projects such as aviation biofuel development.In January 2019, Etihad Airways flew the world’s first commercial flight using locally produced sustainable fuel made from plants grown in saltwater, the flagship project of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium.

Between 26 May and 22 June, four daily flights will be operated on the route, increasing to five from 23 June to 28 September, returning to four daily flights from 29 September to 26 October.

The extra flights are conveniently timed to provide easy connections via Abu Dhabi to and from key destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia.Etihad’s two-class version of the 787-9 Dreamliner features 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats.

Etihad Airways is offering two free nights of hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi for all guests booking flights to and from all Etihad destinations via Abu Dhabi. Guests can choose from a range of 15 hotels located across the city including the five-star Intercontinental Abu Dhabi and Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, as well as the Courtyard by Marriott WTC, Crowne Plaza and Radisson Blu.

The free Abu Dhabi stopover promotion is available for bookings online through etihad.com or via a travel agent from 10 April to 15 June 2019, for flights between 21 April and 15 July 2019.

Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer Etihad Aviation Group, said: “The number of visitors to Abu Dhabi continues to grow every year, and this incredible promotion allows us to showcase our extraordinary home to more visitors worldwide. Guests will be welcomed with traditional Arabian hospitality, and will enjoy a modern infrastructure, multi-cultural society, and the many unique attractions the city, and wider emirate, have to offer.”

Abu Dhabi visitors can experience cultural masterpieces and architectural highlights including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and the newly opened Presidential Palace Qasr Al Watan.

Tourists seeking nature can escape to the beautiful sand dunes of the Arabian desert, or find calm on the pristine coastline and beautiful beaches surrounding Abu Dhabi island.

Adrenalin-seeking adventurers can revel in the thrills of the city’s theme parks including the intense G-force experienced on Ferrari World’s roller-coasters, as well as the rides and attractions at Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros World.

Unforgettable desert safari expeditions, a myriad of world-class golf courses and an exceptional range of local and international dining experiences ensures there is something for everyone.

The advantage of a stopover goes beyond creating two holiday experiences out of one and can also support with combating jetlag. Global travellers on long-haul journeys will benefit from adjusting to the time zone along their journey, arriving at their final destination feeling more refreshed.

Etihad guests booking online should select a multi-city flight and will be directed to the stopover booking page once the booking is confirmed. Guests then have the option to choose a hotel package with one of the many hotel partners operating this promotion.

“With greater choice now available, more flexibility across both our schedules, and world-leading products and services, together, we now fly approximately 150 guests per day across each other’s networks. Our plan is to grow this number considerably through expansion of the codeshare agreement in the coming months, and to deliver more benefits to our customers.”

The codeshare agreement has seen ‘EY’ and ‘SV’ codes already placed on 14 routes with the addition of Vienna this week. In the coming months, Etihad will place its ‘EY’ code on, Tunis, Sharm El Sheikh and Alexandria. At the same time, Saudia will place its ‘SV’ code on Etihad flights to Tokyo, Nagoya, and Baku. Phase two for the ‘EY’ code will include Algiers, Dhaka and Erbil. And Phase two for the ‘SV’ code will include Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Moscow, Dusseldorf, Hong Kong, Kathmandu, Lagos, Minsk, Rabat, Astana, and more points in India.

Director General of Saudi Arabian Airlines His Excellency Engineer Saleh Al-Jasser commented on the agreement: “The codeshare partnership with Etihad Airways enables greater connectivity and access to destinations for our guests. By leveraging each of our networks, we are able to provide a wide array of choice and convenience that lends itself well for business and leisure travellers alike.”

On average, Etihad carries approximately 1.3 million passengers a year to and from the Kingdom. Etihad Cargo carried more than 23,200 tons of cargo between the two countries last year. In November 2018, Jeddah became the first destination on the airline’s network to be operated by Etihad’s Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner. The airline marked last year’s Saudi National Day with a special Year of Zayed A380 flight between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah.

Etihad commenced flights to Riyadh in 2004 with just three flights a week. Today, the airline currently operates 84 flights per week to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: three return flights a day to Riyadh, three return flights a day to Jeddah, four return flights a day to Dammam, and twice daily to Medina.