CLT Airport Welcomes First New Global Partner Since 2018, Etihad Airways

CHARLOTTE, NC – Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) today welcomed Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, marking the launch of new nonstop service between Charlotte and Abu Dhabi. The new route makes Etihad the airport’s fourth foreign flag carrier and bolsters Charlotte’s growing global connectivity, linking two major economic hubs.

Etihad’s new nonstop service to Abu Dhabi will become the longest flight operated from CLT, with a flight time of more than 14 hours.

“Today’s inaugural nonstop flight to Abu Dhabi brings the world closer to Charlotte,” said Ted Kaplan, Chief Business & Innovation Officer at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. “This route offers our passengers faster, seamless connections to the Middle East, India and Southeast Asia, while reinforcing Charlotte’s role as a global gateway and driver of economic growth.”

Etihad is the first foreign flag airline to launch service at CLT since 2018, when Volaris began nonstop flights to Guadalajara, Mexico. Charlotte now has 44 international destinations around the globe.

“The launch of this inaugural nonstop flight to Abu Dhabi is an exciting milestone for Charlotte,” said Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles. “This new connection strengthens our city’s global presence, opening the door for increased business growth and international partnerships. We’re proud to expand global access for our citizens while welcoming travelers from around the world to experience everything Charlotte has to offer.”

Etihad plans to operate four flights weekly on its 371-seat Airbus A350-1000, featuring both Business and Economy cabins with award-winning service and amenities. This marks the first scheduled service of the Airbus A350-1000 in CLT’s history.

Direct connectivity to Abu Dhabi and beyond enhances Charlotte’s ability to attract international investment, expand -trade opportunities and support the region’s growing global business community. The service opens new tourism opportunities, connecting visitors from the Middle East, Asia and beyond with Charlotte’s thriving cultural, sports and business destinations. The new route further strengthens Charlotte’s role as a major aviation hub through an interline agreement with American Airlines, which operates its second-largest hub at CLT. The agreement enables passengers to seamlessly connect between the two airlines’ extensive networks, offering convenient travel options for customers across the region and beyond.

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