Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has announced that it will be expanding its services to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in the coming year. This new route, set to begin on May 4, 2026, will make Charlotte the sixth American destination for the airline, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta.

The airline’s news release stated that flights between Charlotte and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi will be nonstop and will operate four times a week. However, the specific days of the week for these flights have not been disclosed.

Passengers flying with Etihad Airways from Charlotte will also have access to other destinations in the Middle East, as Abu Dhabi will serve as a connecting city for the airline’s network.

CEO Antonoaldo Neves expressed excitement about this new addition to their U.S. network, stating that Charlotte offers direct access to a rapidly growing region. He also mentioned that Etihad is the first airline from the region to serve this market and looks forward to connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Travelers interested in booking flights can do so through the airline’s website. Etihad Airways will begin operations in Charlotte with high hopes for success and growth in the future.

In other news, Charlotte airport has recently implemented changes to their rideshare procedures. Passengers should be aware of these changes before arriving at the airport to avoid any confusion or delays. Overall, Etihad Airways’ expansion to Charlotte is a significant development for both the airline and the city, providing more options for travelers and boosting connectivity between the U.S. and the Middle East.