Etihad Airways recently unveiled plans to add Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia, to its expanding roster of destinations, marking a significant milestone as it boosts its presence in the region.
This move, set to commence on June 24, will see the airline connecting Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport directly with Al Qassim's Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ) through four weekly flights.
Arik De, the Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, emphasized that the introduction of this new service underscores the airline's commitment to bridging Abu Dhabi with the cultural and economic tapestry of Saudi Arabia, especially as it celebrates 20 years of operations in the region.
Al Qassim, renowned for its verdant date palm groves, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage, represents a captivating blend of traditional Saudi ethos and contemporary allure. The new route is strategically crafted to cater to the needs of both business travelers seeking fresh opportunities and tourists eager to delve into Saudi Arabia's historical and cultural wealth.
Moreover, Etihad's expansion efforts extend beyond Saudi Arabia, with plans to augment service frequencies to several key destinations and commence flights to Antalya and Jaipur, as previously announced.
Starting June 15, Etihad will enhance its weekly flight frequencies to various cities, including Thiruvananthapuram and Amman, with increments of three, bringing the total to 10 and 14, respectively. Additionally, the airline will boost its services to Cairo, Karachi, and Colombo with three, two, and four additional flights per week, respectively.
This concerted expansion effort translates into a remarkable 33% surge in Etihad's total weekly flights, escalating from 642 in the previous summer to 855 in 2024. Consequently, Etihad's global reach will extend from 65 to 76 destinations, significantly amplifying worldwide connectivity and reinforcing its position as a key player in the aviation industry.
With these developments, passengers can anticipate unparalleled travel experiences characterized by Etihad's renowned hospitality and service excellence, starting from the moment they step into Abu Dhabi's state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport.
New Destinations Schedule (Effective from June 15, 2024)
Flight EY 0539: AUH to AYT
- Departure: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at 09:20 (AUH local time)
- Arrival: 13:00 (AYT local time)
- Aircraft: A320
Flight EY 0540: AYT to AUH
- Departure: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays at 14:20 (AYT local time)
- Arrival: 19:35 (AUH local time)
- Aircraft: A320
Additional Destination Schedule (Effective from June 16, 2024)
Flight EY 0366: AUH to JAI
- Departure: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays at 03:05 (AUH local time)
- Arrival: 08:05 (JAI local time)
- Aircraft: A320
Flight EY 0367: JAI to AUH
- Departure: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays at 11:00 (JAI local time)
- Arrival: 13:00 (AUH local time)
- Aircraft: A320
Frequency Increases
- Thiruvananthapuram: +3 flights, total frequency 10, starting from June 15, 2024
- Amman: +3 flights, total frequency 14, starting from June 15, 2024
- Cairo: +3 flights, total frequency 24, starting from June 15, 2024
- Karachi: +3 flights, total frequency 17, starting from June 15, 2024
- Colombo: +3 flights, total frequency 20, starting from June 15, 2024
This schedule provides a clear overview of the new destinations, their flight timings, and the frequency increases for existing routes.
