Abu Dhabi to Medina: Etihad Airways expands routes for pilgrims and travelers

Etihad Airways has strengthened its presence in Saudi Arabia by launching direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina, opening new opportunities for religious, business, and leisure travelers. This move comes as part of the airline’s ambitious expansion strategy, offering greater connectivity across the Kingdom and beyond.

New route connects Abu Dhabi and Medina

Starting this week, Etihad Airways has resumed direct flights linking Abu Dhabi with Medina, a city of immense religious and cultural significance. Medina, one of Islam’s holiest cities, attracts millions of visitors annually seeking spiritual experiences . The new route aims to meet growing demand from pilgrims and travelers looking for smooth, convenient connections to Saudi Arabia.

Etihad will operate five weekly flights to Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, with plans to increase the frequency to six weekly flights later this year. The service will accommodate both Business and Economy passengers, providing Etihad’s signature hospitality for a comfortable travel experience.

Strengthening Etihad’s presence in Saudi Arabia

With the addition of Medina, Etihad now operates 93 weekly flights to five Saudi cities:

• Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam: four flights per day each
• Al Qassim: three flights per week

This expansion reinforces Etihad’s position as a key facilitator of travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO, highlighted the importance of the route, saying it reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity to one of its most critical markets while supporting cultural and spiritual travel.

Travel experience and Abu Dhabi stopover

Medina offers visitors a rich tapestry of Islamic heritage, historic mosques, and vibrant markets, combined with a serene atmosphere for spiritual reflection. Passengers connecting from Etihad’s global network to Medina can also benefit from a complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover, which includes two free nights at a top hotel in the city.

Abu Dhabi itself is a gateway for travelers seeking culture, leisure, and entertainment. Key attractions include:

• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – an iconic cultural landmark
• Louvre Abu Dhabi and TeamLab Phenomena – for immersive arts experiences
• Yas Island and Saadiyat Island – home to beaches, theme parks, and world-class entertainment

Moreover, Abu Dhabi’s strategic location enables smooth onward connections to destinations across Asia, Australia, and Europe, further enhancing Etihad’s global network.

Etihad’s broader expansion strategy

The launch of Medina is part of a wider growth initiative. Over the past year, Etihad has introduced flights to 31 new destinations, reinforcing its footprint across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Notable recent additions include:

• October launches: Sumatra (Medan), Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, Krabi
• November launches: Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Tunis

This expansion underscores Etihad’s commitment to connecting travelers to key international and regional destinations, strengthening Abu Dhabi as a major global travel hub.

Flight schedule to Medina

Etihad’s new Medina flights operate on the following schedule using the Airbus A321: