Etihad Launches Abu Dhabi–Medina Flights Expands Saudi Arabia Network

Etihad Airways has officially launched direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina, marking a significant expansion of its operations in Saudi Arabia. The first flight, operated earlier this week, was fully booked, reflecting strong demand for this new connection.

This addition takes Etihad’s weekly flights to five Saudi cities—including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Al Qassim, and now Medina—to a total of 93. The new route aligns with Etihad’s wider growth strategy, which has seen the airline add 31 destinations over the past year, further solidifying Abu Dhabi as a key travel hub.

Convenient Schedule for Passengers

Etihad will operate five weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, with plans to increase to six flights later this year. The service provides both Business and Economy cabins, ensuring comfort for all travelers.

• EY631 departs Abu Dhabi at 08:55, arriving in Medina at 10:50 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

• EY633 departs Abu Dhabi at 14:30, arriving in Medina at 16:25 on Wednesdays and Fridays.

• Return flights EY632 and EY634 depart Medina in the afternoon and evening, landing back in Abu Dhabi the same day.

Travelers to Medina can also take advantage of Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme, which offers two complimentary nights in select hotels. This initiative aims to promote Abu Dhabi as a global hub for culture, leisure, and entertainment.

Strategic Expansion in the Middle East

Etihad’s expansion into Medina reinforces its commitment to strengthening connectivity across the Middle East. Medina, with its profound cultural and spiritual significance, attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists annually.

“Medina carries profound cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people, and we are honoured to provide convenient travel through Abu Dhabi to this important city,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.

In recent months, Etihad has also expanded its global network with new destinations including Medan, Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, Krabi, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Tunis. These additions highlight the airline’s ambition to connect Abu Dhabi with key growth markets across Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Vision

Etihad’s growing presence in Saudi Arabia complements the Kingdom’s broader tourism and infrastructure goals, supporting its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to welcome 150 million visitors annually. The Abu Dhabi–Medina route is expected to boost travel, business opportunities, and cultural exchange between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

With this launch, Etihad continues to solidify its position as a leading carrier in the region, providing seamless, comfortable, and culturally significant travel experiences.