Etihad launches Abu Dhabi-Medina flights, expanding Saudi Arabia network
Passengers offered stopover with free two-night hotel stay
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways has launched flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina, further strengthening the UAE national carrier’s growing network in Saudi Arabia.
The move highlights Etihad’s commitment to expanding travel connectivity across the Kingdom for religious, business, and leisure travellers.
The direct service links Abu Dhabi with Medina, one of the world’s most spiritually significant cities, and a key hub for millions of visitors performing religious pilgrimages throughout the year. The route is expected to meet increasing demand from global travellers seeking seamless access to Saudi Arabia’s holy sites.
New route to Medina
With the addition of Medina, Etihad now serves five destinations across Saudi Arabia. The airline operates 93 flights per week to the Kingdom, including four daily services to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam, and three weekly flights to Al Qassim. The launch marks a milestone in Etihad’s ambitious growth plan, which includes 31 new routes introduced within a single year.
Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, Antonoaldo Neves, highlighted the significance of the new connection, stating: “The launch of Medina reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia, one of our most important markets. Medina carries profound cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people, and we are honoured to provide convenient travel through Abu Dhabi to this culturally and spiritually important city.”
Expanded connectivity
Etihad will initially operate five weekly flights to Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, increasing to six later this year. The service promises a smooth and comfortable journey, offering Etihad’s signature hospitality in both Business and Economy cabins.
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Frequency | Aircraft |
| EY631 | AUH | 08:55 | MED | 10:50 | Tue, Thu, Sat | A321 |
| EY632 | MED | 15:40 | AUH | 18:55 | Tue, Thu, Sat | A321 |
| EY633 | AUH | 14:30 | MED | 16:25 | Wed, Fri | A321 |
| EY634 | MED | 20:25 | AUH | 00:10 | Wed, Fri | A321 |
The new route also opens doors for travellers connecting through Abu Dhabi to reach destinations across Asia, Australia, and Europe. With Abu Dhabi’s strategic geographical location, the service aims to make Etihad a preferred choice for travellers from Medina looking for efficient international connections.
Religious and cultural travel
Medina welcomes millions of pilgrims and visitors every year, drawn to its deep Islamic heritage, sacred mosques, and peaceful atmosphere. The city offers an enriching blend of spirituality and culture, with attractions ranging from historic sites and bustling markets to modern cultural landmarks.
In addition, Etihad’s passengers can benefit from the airline’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, offering two complimentary nights in one of the city’s premium hotels. This initiative encourages travellers to experience the UAE’s capital – home to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island’s theme parks, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi – before continuing their journey.
Etihad’s global growth
The launch of Medina flights marks another chapter in Etihad’s wider global expansion. The airline recently inaugurated services to Medan in Sumatra, Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, and Krabi, followed by new routes to Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Tunis.
This continuous expansion reinforces Etihad’s position as one of the region’s fastest-growing carriers, connecting travellers through Abu Dhabi to key destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond.