Etihad Airways has announced a new direct flight route between Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Charlotte, North Carolina. The service will begin on May 4, 2026. This new connection is part of Etihad’s plan to grow its presence in the United States. Charlotte will become the sixth US city served directly by the airline, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s CEO, said the Charlotte route is a key addition to their US network. He explained that this direct flight will give travelers easy access to one of America’s fastest-growing regions. Etihad is proud to be the first airline from the UAE to offer nonstop service to Charlotte.
The flights will run four times a week. Etihad will use its modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, known for comfort and efficiency. Both Business and Economy class passengers will enjoy award-winning services on board. Flights will leave Abu Dhabi early in the morning and return from Charlotte around midday. This schedule allows travelers to connect smoothly to other destinations through Etihad’s global network.
One major advantage is the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport. This means passengers arriving in Charlotte will be treated as domestic travelers. It cuts down waiting times and makes the arrival process much faster and easier.
