Etihad Escapes takes travel beyond flights with hotels and Abu Dhabi experiences
New platform launches in October with hotel bookings through the official website
DUBAI – Etihad Airways has unveiled Etihad Escapes, a new travel platform designed to extend its customer experience beyond the flight and make it easier for travellers to organise more of their journeys in one place.
The platform was announced at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai and will launch in October, initially allowing passengers with an Etihad flight booking to add hotel accommodation through Etihad.com.
Etihad plans to expand the service through 2027, bringing flights, hotels, loyalty and other travel services into a more integrated digital experience.
Hotel bookings
At launch, Etihad Escapes will allow guests who have already booked an Etihad flight to add a hotel to their journey directly through the airline's website. The move is intended to simplify trip planning by allowing customers to arrange accommodation without having to build their itinerary across multiple platforms.
The service will progressively expand so customers can search and book hotels independently, before combining flights and accommodation within an integrated booking journey.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the platform would help the airline build a deeper relationship with guests beyond the flight while creating a more personalised travel experience.
Future phases will extend Etihad Escapes into the Etihad app, while introducing greater personalisation, Etihad Guest loyalty integration and a wider selection of travel experiences and ancillary services.
Abu Dhabi tourism
Etihad is also positioning the platform as a way to connect its expanding global network with Abu Dhabi's tourism offering. Miral Destinations is joining as a launch partner, helping connect travellers with experiences and leisure destinations across the emirate and supporting the development of travel packages.
Etihad said the platform will be developed through its own capabilities and strategic partnerships. Expedia Group B2B is powering the hotel inventory, while Juniper Travel Technology is supporting the technology infrastructure. Further travel suppliers and partners are expected to join as the platform develops.
Neves said Etihad Escapes could help bring more visitors to Abu Dhabi, encourage them to experience more of the emirate and support its tourism ambitions. Abu Dhabi is targeting 39.3 million visitors and Dh90 billion in tourism GDP by 2030.
Wider market
The platform also gives Etihad an opportunity to participate in spending that takes place beyond the flight itself. The global holiday market is valued at approximately $2.7 trillion and is forecast to grow by 6.5% to 2030.
Etihad said its growing network and customer base will provide a foundation for Etihad Escapes to capture a larger share of the overall travel journey. The airline expects the platform to create additional revenue opportunities while supporting visitor growth, destination spending and stronger route economics for Abu Dhabi.