Etihad Updates Abu Dhabi–Phuket Route, Offering New Travel Option for Holidaymakers

Earlier this week, Etihad Airways operated an Airbus A321LR for the first time on the Abu Dhabi–Phuket route, departing from Zayed International Airport and joining the regular flights on this connection. It replaces the aircraft type usually used here, offering a different seating layout and updated onboard facilities. This timetable change gives passengers an additional option when travelling on medium-length routes linking the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The aircraft has three seating classes on board. Its seating is arranged as follows:

• Two enclosed First-Class suites providing additional privacy
• Fourteen Business Class seats that convert into flat beds for longer journeys
• One hundred forty-four redesigned Economy seats with more space and larger entertainment screens

All seats include USB charging, Bluetooth pairing for headphones and individual 4K displays. Passengers can stay online during the trip, as Wi-Fi is available in all parts of the cabin.

With this new flight now in operation, travellers gain another connection between Abu Dhabi and one of Thailand’s top holiday spots. Phuket is recognised for its lively atmosphere, rich local culture and striking natural scenery. Beyond its well-known beaches, visitors can explore Old Phuket Town, famous for its colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture and lively evening markets filled with street food. A short boat trip to Phang Nga Bay reveals limestone cliffs and small islands scattered across turquoise waters, a highlight for many holidaymakers arriving on this route.

Travellers arriving in Abu Dhabi can take the chance to visit several well-known landmarks located close to the city centre. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, known for its detailed architecture and striking white domes, is open to visitors every day and stands as one of the city’s most notable landmarks. The Corniche waterfront runs along the Arabian Gulf, giving visitors a long path for a walk or bike ride, while nearby museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi offer a quick chance to explore art and culture only a few minutes from the airport.

Now that the A321LR is included in the timetable, travellers have another aircraft choice on this busy route connecting two well-known holiday destinations. The updated aircraft offers a cabin layout designed for extra comfort compared to older single-aisle planes, allowing passengers to feel more relaxed and refreshed when they reach their next destination. This change also reflects a growing trend in air travel, where regional connections are seeing improved seating and onboard services, making medium-haul journeys more practical and enjoyable for holidaymakers.