Etihad announces 7 new routes including Georgia, Armenia and Kazakhstan
UAE flag carrier sees 16% surge in June 2025 passenger traffic
ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways has unveiled seven new destinations as part of its fast-growing 2025 network expansion, further reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for travel, tourism, and commerce.
The announcement marks a significant step in the airline’s ongoing mission to attract more point-to-point traffic directly to the UAE’s capital.
The new routes – Almaty (Kazakhstan), Baku (Azerbaijan), Bucharest (Romania), Medina (Saudi Arabia), Tbilisi (Georgia), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), and Yerevan (Armenia) – will roll out between November 2025 and March 2026. Flights will go on sale in the coming days.
With these additions, Etihad will have launched or announced 27 new destinations within a single calendar year, a record-setting achievement for the airline.
Medina, Saudi Arabia
The only destination among the new seven launching in 2025, Medina holds deep spiritual significance in the Islamic world. Home to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque), Medina is a major pilgrimage site. Its serene environment, expanding infrastructure, and cultural relevance make it an essential addition to Etihad’s growing regional footprint. Flights to Medina will commence in November 2025, facilitating easier access for religious tourism.
Bucharest, Romania
The Romanian capital joins Etihad’s European portfolio as a destination rich in history and modern vibrancy. Bucharest’s eclectic architecture, buzzing cafés, and historical landmarks like the Palace of the Parliament offer an enticing city break for travellers from the UAE and beyond. The city is expected to appeal to both leisure and business travellers looking for new European connections.
Tbilisi, Georgia
Famous for its cobblestone streets, colourful balconies, and sulphur bathhouses, Tbilisi is a cultural gem nestled in the Caucasus. The Georgian capital offers a captivating mix of Eastern European charm and modern creativity, from its food scene to its arts culture. With strong travel demand between Georgia and the Gulf, this new route is expected to be a popular year-round option.
Yerevan, Armenia
One of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Yerevan welcomes visitors with its wide boulevards, distinctive pink stone buildings, and scenic views of Mount Ararat. Etihad’s direct route to the Armenian capital will provide an essential link for both tourism and diaspora connections.
Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku is a city that seamlessly combines the ancient with the ultra-modern. From the medieval Inner City to the Flame Towers, Baku’s contrasting cityscape makes it a compelling travel choice. As the capital of a major oil-producing nation with growing ties to the Gulf, Baku also offers strong business travel potential.
Almaty, Kazakhstan
Surrounded by the majestic Trans-Ili Alatau mountains, Almaty brings alpine scenery and cosmopolitan flair into the Etihad network. Known for its parks, mountain getaways, and cultural blend of East and West, the city is a gateway to Central Asia’s growing tourism and trade landscape. Travellers can expect a mix of winter sports, green escapes, and lively urban attractions.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s dynamic capital, merges ancient Silk Road history with a contemporary outlook. The city is famed for its Islamic architecture, Soviet-era designs, and modern developments. Etihad’s service to Tashkent offers travellers an intriguing new connection to Central Asia’s emerging cultural and commercial centres.
Ongoing growth in 2025
Earlier this year, Etihad inaugurated services to four cities – Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, and Atlanta. With the latest announcement, the airline edges closer to completing an ambitious route rollout plan for 2025. Thirteen more destinations are still scheduled for launch before the end of the year.
Additionally, Etihad recently announced three new summer seasonal routes for 2026: Krakow (Poland), Salalah (Oman), and Kazan (Russia). These services are set to begin during the peak holiday months next year.
Traffic figures for June 2025
Etihad’s network expansion is matched by impressive passenger growth. In June 2025, the airline carried 1.8 million passengers, marking a 16 percent increase compared to June 2024. The passenger load factor climbed to 88 percent, up from 86 percent year-on-year, signalling efficient capacity management amid high demand.
The airline’s fleet now totals 101 aircraft, including five freighters. During the first half of 2025, Etihad welcomed 10.2 million passengers, a 17 percent increase from the same period last year. The average passenger load factor from January to June stood at 87 percent.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the momentum: “More than 10 million guests have flown with us in 2025, and our rolling 12-month total has almost reached 20 million. Our route expansion continued in June as we began operating to Prague and Warsaw and resumed five seasonal services to Nice, Malaga, Mykonos, Santorini, and Antalya.”