Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, And Uzbekistan Now Connected To UAE As Etihad Airways Launches Seven New Routes To Expand Its Global Reach In 2025 And 2026

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Etihad Airways has launched seven new routes connecting Abu Dhabi to Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Romania, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan as part of its strategic plan to boost direct international connectivity, strengthen tourism ties, and support growing demand for point-to-point travel. This expansion not only enhances Etihad’s global network but also aligns with the UAE’s vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as a major aviation and business hub for travelers across Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

Etihad Airways Expands Global Reach with Seven New Destinations Across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East as Abu Dhabi Pushes for Stronger Point-to-Point Travel

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced the launch of seven new international routes, marking a major milestone in its ongoing efforts to enhance direct connectivity to Abu Dhabi. This move is part of a broader strategy to drive inbound tourism, increase business travel, and position the UAE capital as a global aviation hub.

The new destinations—Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Bucharest (Romania), Medina (Saudi Arabia), Tbilisi (Georgia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Yerevan (Armenia)—further strengthen Etihad’s footprint across Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East.

These new routes will be available for booking in the coming days, giving travelers the opportunity to explore new cities via Abu Dhabi. While most services are set to begin in March 2026, flights to Medina in Saudi Arabia will commence ahead of schedule on November 9, 2025, offering six weekly flights in time for winter travel demand and religious tourism.

Etihad’s Expanding Network

With the addition of these seven cities, Etihad Airways has now unveiled 29 new destinations for 2025, showcasing its ambitious growth plan that mixes both year-round service and strategic seasonal routes. The airline is actively working to enhance its point-to-point traffic model, ensuring passengers can reach Abu Dhabi more efficiently from a diverse range of locations.

Earlier in 2025, the airline successfully launched services to four new destinations—Prague (Czech Republic), Warsaw (Poland), Sochi (Russia), and Atlanta (United States)—marking the beginning of what has become one of the busiest expansion years in Etihad’s history. A further 13 destinations are expected to be added before the year concludes, underlining the carrier’s commitment to increasing global access.

In addition to the year-round routes, Etihad recently revealed three seasonal summer routes for 2026, offering travelers unique options during peak holiday periods. These include Krakow (Poland), Salalah (Oman), and Kazan (Russia)—all chosen for their rising tourism appeal and strong regional ties with Abu Dhabi.

Detailed Flight Frequencies and Start Dates

Etihad has confirmed the flight schedules for its latest destinations, ensuring a well-distributed network that caters to both leisure and business travelers:

• Medina (Saudi Arabia) – Flights begin November 9, 2025, and will operate six times per week, providing convenient access for religious pilgrims and tourists.
• Baku (Azerbaijan) – Starting March 2, 2026, Etihad will offer 10 flights per week, aimed at boosting business ties and regional tourism.
• Yerevan (Armenia) – From March 9, 2026, the Armenian capital will see 10 weekly flights, enhancing connections between the Caucasus region and the UAE.
• Tbilisi (Georgia) – Launching March 13, 2026, Georgia’s vibrant capital will be served eight times per week, catering to both tourism and investment opportunities.
• Almaty (Kazakhstan) – Starting March 16, 2026, Etihad Airways will launch eight flights per week between Abu Dhabi and Almaty, enhancing links with Central Asia amid rising travel demand.
• Bucharest (Romania) – The Romanian capital will join the network on March 16, 2026, with four weekly flights, offering a key Eastern European link.
• Tashkent (Uzbekistan) – Rounding out the additions, flights to Tashkent will begin March 17, 2026, operating six times per week, meeting increasing travel demand between the UAE and Uzbekistan.

Strategic Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

This wave of expansion underscores Etihad’s aggressive strategy to cement its position as a leading international carrier connecting East and West through its Abu Dhabi hub. The airline’s focus on cities in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East reflects growing interest in secondary and emerging markets, as global travel rebounds and diversifies post-pandemic.

By aligning its flight schedule with key seasonal periods and maintaining strong year-round options, Etihad continues to demonstrate operational flexibility and passenger-centric planning. Each route not only strengthens bilateral relations between the UAE and the respective countries but also enhances the cultural and commercial exchange that defines Abu Dhabi’s global positioning.

With international travel demand on the rise, Etihad’s expanding route network positions the airline perfectly to cater to both established tourist markets and newly emerging travel corridors throughout 2025 and 2026.