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On July 2, Etihad Airways inaugurated its first flight toÌýÌý. Initially operating four times weekly on theÌýÌýthe long route's frequency will rise to daily in the coming winter. Forward bookings must have been very strong.

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I was delighted to be a guest of Etihad on its debut service, whichÌýÌýshows tookÌý14h 37mÌý(a flight review is coming soon). The carrier's senior management told me that 369 of the 371 seats were sold, and virtually all were occupied by fare-paying passengers. The cargo hold was full, and they could have filled it several times over.

Welcome To Georgia, Etihad!

Unlike some brand-new routes, which are barely recognized even if they're significant, Etihad's first Atlanta flight was celebrated everywhere: pre-flight, during the flight, and post-flight. There must have been 50 photographers taking photos of the aircraft while it pulled onto its stand in Atlanta.

I have never seen so many gifts tailor-made for the occasion. Atlanta-promoted items included an Emirati coffee cup, stickers, a menu, a toiletry bag, a tote bag, and more. There was also a postcard that passengers could complete, which the cabin crew promised would be sent. Given that most things are electronic nowadays, I particularly liked that idea.

Hang On: Why Abu Dhabi To Atlanta?

Photo: Etihad

Etihad's passenger network comprises almost 100 destinations from itsÌýÌýhub. After a long period of retrenchment, the Gulf carrier is in growth mode again. It has thus far added nearly 20 destinations in 2025/2026, although the list will certainly be expanding. Destinations includeÌýAtlanta, which was surely picked partly because it does not have Emirates, although Delta served Dubai until 2016.

The lack of Emirates (and indeed any Middle Eastern carrier) probably also helps to explain why Etihad was also attracted toÌýÌýwhich will welcome the carrier in May 2026. Is the Gulf carrier actively targeting smaller and less competitive US cities? This won't be known until its next destination is announced.

They have another feature in common:Ìýa large volume of Indian traffic. This is Etihad's bread and butter, and it carries a much higher proportion of passengers bound to/from the country than Emirates or Etihad. Of course, it is relatively low-yielding, which could be problematic. Booking data for the year to May 2025 shows that around 650 passengers flew between Atlanta and India each day. In comparison, only about 55 passengers flew to/from Pakistan. They all benefit from the highly useful US pre-clearance in Abu Dhabi.

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No other US service on a twinjet has more seats.

Etihad Plans To Fly To 7 North American Cities (For Now)

Photo:ÌýHartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International AirportÌý

In July 2025, Etihad hasÌý46 weeklyÌýpassenger flights to the US and Canada (six to seven daily departures). Destinations include Toronto,Ìý,Ìý. Subject to the fine-tuning of schedules and any further announcements, the carrier plansÌý53 weekly servicesÌýnext May (seven to eight daily departures).

Etihad last had seven North American destinations in 2017, when Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and San Francisco were served. This was when the carrier's network-wide passenger volume peaked at 18.6 million. It had over-expanded,Ìý. Now that Etihad has paradoxically 'shrunk to grow,' it'll be good to see a more sustainable platform for future growth.

Airline Type

Full Service Carrier

Hub(s)

Abu Dhabi International Airport

Year Founded

2003

CEO

Antonoaldo Neves

Country

United Arab Emirates