MENA Newswire News Desk: Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, is celebrating two decades of operations to India. The airline first launched flights to Mumbai on September 26, 2004, followed by New Delhi on December 1 of the same year. Since then, Etihad has steadily expanded its presence in India, now offering flights to 11 destinations across the country. Earlier this year, Etihad introduced new routes to Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Jaipur, further expanding its reach in the Indian subcontinent.
With additional frequencies to key cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, the airline is now operating over 50 extra flights to India each week compared to last summer. This expansion has increased seat capacity, offering passengers more convenient options and greater flexibility in connecting to Etihad’s global network from Abu Dhabi.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, highlighted the importance of India as a key market. “India is a strategically important market for Etihad, and we are incredibly proud to be marking 20 years of operations to this incredible country. When we launched our first flight to Mumbai in 2004, it was only our eighth destination globally. Today, Etihad flies to 80 destinations, with a vision to grow to 125 by 2030.”
The additional flight frequencies have also helped support growing demand for travel between India and Abu Dhabi, particularly for those seeking onward connections to Europe, North America, and beyond. The increase in capacity comes at a time when Etihad is positioning itself as a key player in the global aviation market, offering enhanced services to cater to a wider range of passengers.
India’s role in Etihad’s global strategy continues to strengthen, with plans to further grow its presence in the region over the coming years. The airline’s ongoing investment in increasing flight frequencies, seat capacity, and connectivity underscores its long-term commitment to fostering strong ties between Abu Dhabi and India.
The 20-year milestone celebrates not just Etihad’s enduring presence in India but also its contribution to strengthening the aviation links between the UAE and one of its most important global markets. The airline is poised for further growth as it continues to play a pivotal role in connecting India to the world through its Abu Dhabi hub.