Non-Stop Flights from Charlotte to Abu Dhabi to Begin in 2026

Charlotte, North Carolina – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced plans to offer non-stop flights between Charlotte and Abu Dhabi starting in May of 2026.

This new service will make Etihad the fourth international carrier to operate flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Flights will run weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which can accommodate up to 303 passengers.

Haley Gentry, CEO of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, expressed excitement for the new route, stating, “Etihad’s arrival is a milestone for CLT as we continue expanding our global reach. This new route opens the door to the Middle East and beyond, providing our passengers with greater access to international destinations and strengthening Charlotte’s role as a key gateway for global travel.”

Similarly, His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, highlighted the economic benefits of this new connection between Charlotte and Abu Dhabi, saying, “This new service creates a vital connection between Charlotte and Abu Dhabi, linking two important economic hubs. We’re opening direct channels for business, investment, and tourism that align with Abu Dhabi’s vision for a diversified global economy.”

The partnership between Etihad and CLT will also provide travelers with efficient one-stop access to over 40 destinations across the Indian Subcontinent, GCC, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Additionally, the U.S. Customs Preclearance in Abu Dhabi will make the travel experience smoother for passengers.

Tickets for the Charlotte-Abu Dhabi route are already on sale. This marks Etihad’s sixth destination in the United States, with existing routes to New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and an upcoming launch to Atlanta on July 2.

This new service from Etihad comes as a welcome addition to CLT, as the last international airline to launch service at the airport was Volaris in 2018, with non-stop flights to Guadalajara, Mexico.

Overall, the non-stop flights from Charlotte to Abu Dhabi will not only benefit travelers, but also strengthen economic ties between the two regions. The strategic partnership between Etihad and CLT will provide efficient and convenient travel options for business, investment, and tourism.