Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled plans to broaden its network and improve connectivity in the Middle East. The airline announced the addition of Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia, to its expanding roster of destinations, marking its fourth gateway in Saudi Arabia. The airline aims to extend its reach by introducing flights to one of Saudi Arabia’s most captivating regions. Starting from June 24, 2024, Etihad will operate four weekly flights linking Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport directly with Al Qassim’s Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz International Airport (ELQ).
Reflecting on the introduction of the new service, Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, remarked: “The launch of our new route to Al Qassim this year signifies more than just the addition of a destination; it’s a testament to Etihad’s 20-year legacy of facilitating connections between Abu Dhabi and the cultural richness and economic opportunities of Saudi Arabia. “This initiative is in line with our mission to provide extraordinary experiences and offer travelers the chance to explore both Abu Dhabi and our latest destination, Al Qassim. We are proud to expand our presence within the Kingdom and eagerly await the opportunity to extend our renowned hospitality and service to passengers.”
“Furthermore the exceptional experience awaiting them at Zayed International Airport – Terminal A, our new home, redefines the benchmark for travel comfort and service excellence, ensuring a memorable journey from start to finish”
Renowned for its verdant date palm groves, rich cultural tapestry, and vibrant markets, Al Qassim offers a harmonious fusion of traditional Saudi heritage and modern attractions. This newly introduced route caters to the needs of both business travelers seeking fresh opportunities and tourists eager to immerse themselves in Saudi Arabia’s historical and cultural abundance. And that’s not all. Commencing June 15, Etihad Airways is ramping up its flight frequency to several key destinations, while also inaugurating services to Antalya and Jaipur, as previously announced in February.
The weekly flights to Thiruvananthapuram and Amman will see a substantial increase by threefold, reaching 10 and 14 respectively. Additional enhancements include three extra flights to Cairo, bringing the total to 24, an expansion to 17 flights per week for Karachi, and an increase to 20 weekly flights for Colombo