Etihad Airways to Operate Non-Stop Flights to Charlotte, NC Starting May 2026
Etihad Airways will begin offering direct flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, starting May 4, 2026, operating four times a week with Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. With this move, the airline becomes the first from the Gulf region to offer a non-stop connection to the city.
The new route connects Abu Dhabi with one of the fastest-growing economic and population centers in the United States. Charlotte will join Etihad's list of American destinations, which currently includes New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta, the latter set to begin service on July 2.
According to the airline, flight schedules are designed to offer smooth onward connections via Abu Dhabi to destinations in the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia, with morning departures and midday returns.
So far, the intercontinental network of Charlotte Douglas International Airport only includes Dublin, Rome, Frankfurt, London-Heathrow, Madrid, and Munich. All of these routes are operated by American Airlines, with the exception of Munich, which is also served by Lufthansa.
"Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions" said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. "We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travellers to Abu Dhabi and beyond."
Etihad notes that travelers departing from Abu Dhabi will benefit from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance at Zayed International Airport, allowing them to arrive in Charlotte as domestic passengers and speed up the entry process.
Charlotte, home to major U.S. corporations, is a growing hub for the finance, technology, motorsport, and cultural sectors. Its attractions include the NASCAR Hall of Fame, scenic trails, and its signature southern hospitality. In 2024, Charlotte Douglas International Airport ranked as the sixth busiest airport globally in terms of aircraft movements, underscoring its rising role as a transport hub.
Etihad Airways destinations in North America:
- Atlanta: 4 weekly flights with Airbus A350-1000 (starting July 1, 2025)
- Boston: 7 weekly flights with Boeing 787-9
- Washington-Dulles: 7 weekly flights with Boeing 787-9
- New York-JFK: 14 weekly flights, 6 with Airbus A380 and 8 with Boeing 787-9
- Chicago-O'Hare: 7 weekly flights with Airbus A350-1000
- Toronto: 7 weekly flights with Airbus A350-1000
- Charlotte: 4 weekly flights with Boeing 787-9 (starting May 4, 2026)
AUTOR
Contando la aviación desde marzo del año 2000. Fundador y Managing Editor de Aviacionline. Base: ROS Origen: RES
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