Etihad Opens New Direct Flights to Uncover Hidden Gems Across Eurasia
Etihad Airways has announced the introduction of seven new destinations to its international flight schedule, with services set to begin between late 2025 and early 2026. The airline will start flying to Medina, Saudi Arabia, in November 2025, while connections to Almaty, Baku, Bucharest, Tbilisi, Tashkent, and Yerevan will begin in March 2026. The expansion is part of Etihad’s broader strategy to increase direct connectivity to Abu Dhabi from emerging regions with growing travel demand.
The new routes come after a year of rapid network growth for Etihad, increasing the total new destinations in 2025 to 27. Important features of this development are:
- Targeting key markets across Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Caucasus.
- The goal is to simplify travel by reducing the need for multiple stopovers through major hubs.
- Its services cater to a diverse crowd including holidaymakers, regional passengers, business people and members of diaspora groups.
For leisure travellers, the added routes provide access to a diverse range of experiences. In Georgia, visitors flying into Tbilisi can explore the scenic sulphur baths of Abanotubani or take in views from the Narikala Fortress. Once in Bucharest, travellers can take a peaceful walk through Herăstrău Park or explore the lively, historic lanes of Lipscani. In Baku, visitors can take a stroll along the Caspian Sea promenade, explore the ancient rock carvings at Gobustan, or admire the distinctive Flame Towers up close.
Arriving in Almaty, travellers can enjoy the Shymbulak ski slopes, trek through Charyn Canyon’s distinctive red rock landscapes, or explore the lively Green Bazaar for local products. Visitors to Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, have the option to wander through the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar or admire panoramic cityscapes from the Tashkent TV Tower. In Yerevan, travellers can climb the Cascade stairway, take in sweeping city views from Victory Park, or wander through the lively Vernissage flea market for a blend of culture and relaxation.
Etihad’s route expansion offers travellers a wider selection of destinations previously less accessible via direct flights from the Gulf region. The added convenience is likely to influence future travel plans, especially for those seeking alternatives to well-trodden tourist cities. As the aviation industry moves toward decentralisation, passengers are likely to find more efficient direct flights that improve access to a variety of unique destinations across Eurasia.