Traveling from the United States to the Middle East and beyond will soon become more convenient, thanks to a new direct flight from Etihad Airways. The national airline of the United Arab Emirates has announced that it will introduce a nonstop service connecting Charlotte, North Carolina, with Abu Dhabi, starting May 4, 2026.
This marks the first time Charlotte and Abu Dhabi will be linked by a direct route, eliminating the need for lengthy layovers or additional flight connections. The new service, operated by Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, will depart Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) at 6:40 p.m. and land at Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi at 12:25 p.m. the next day. This flight is scheduled to take 13 hours and 45 minutes, making travel significantly faster compared to current options, which typically require at least three more hours in transit.
Passengers onboard can look forward to a comfortable journey with amenities such as in-seat television, Wi-Fi, charging outlets, and USB ports. For those flying in business class, Etihad offers lie-flat seats, access to airport lounges, and even a chauffeur service to and from Zayed International Airport for a seamless travel experience.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves commented, “Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions. We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, travelers can explore the city’s renowned attractions, including theme parks such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. World, as well as the upcoming Disney theme park on Yas Island. The new route also offers excellent connections to Etihad’s wider network, giving U.S. travelers direct access to destinations like Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Melbourne, Mumbai, and Singapore.
Tickets for the new Charlotte – Abu Dhabi service are now available for purchase through Etihad’s website and authorized travel agents. One-way fares start at $1,092 for economy class and $6,014 for business class. For travelers eager to experience Etihad before the new route launches, the airline is offering a limited-time 30 percent discount on premium cabins for select international routes, with notable deals from New York to Doha and New Delhi.
As Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry continues to grow, the city is positioning itself as a leading global destination, combining luxury accommodations, diverse entertainment options, and a rich cultural scene. The addition of this direct Etihad route makes it even easier for U.S. travelers to discover all that Abu Dhabi and the broader region have to offer.
