Etihad Airways has launched flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina this week, expanding the airline’s presence in Saudi Arabia and adding travel options for religious, business and leisure passengers.
The service connects Abu Dhabi with Medina, one of the cities with significance for Islamic pilgrims and a destination for visitors performing religious travel throughout the year.
The route will address demand from pilgrims and travellers seeking connections to the city.
Etihad resumes Medina route as part of 31-destination expansion strategy
Medina becomes the addition to Etihad’s operations in Saudi Arabia. With the launch, Etihad will operate 93 flights per week to five cities across the Kingdom, flying four times per day to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and three services per week to Al Qassim.
The expansion forms part of Etihad’s strategy, which includes 31 new destinations in a year.
“The launch of Medina reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia, one of our most important markets. Medina carries profound cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people, and we are honoured to provide convenient travel through Abu Dhabi to this culturally and spiritually important city. With this new route, we look forward to supporting religious travel and providing guests with greater access, choice and convenience through our home in Abu Dhabi,” Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways said in a statement.
Etihad will operate five weekly flights to Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, increasing to six weekly flights later this year. The service provides travel between Abu Dhabi and the Kingdom, offering Etihad’s hospitality across both Business and Economy cabins.
Medina welcomes millions of visitors annually to experience its Islamic heritage, mosques, and atmosphere. Travellers can explore sites of religious significance, markets, and the city’s cultural attractions.
Visitors connecting from Etihad’s network onwards to Medina can take advantage of a complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover, with two free nights in one of Abu Dhabi’s hotels. Abu Dhabi offers culture, architecture, and entertainment, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Beyond the mosque, the UAE’s capital offers attractions on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Team Labs Phenomena to beaches and theme parks.
With Abu Dhabi’s location, passengers flying from Medina can enjoy connections to Etihad’s network across Asia, Australia and Europe.
The launch of Medina marks a milestone in Etihad’s strategy, as the airline expands its network across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. In October, the UAE’s carrier inaugurated flights to Sumatra (Medan), Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, and Krabi, while in November the airline has launched flights to Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong and Tunis.
Etihad Airways flight schedule to Medina
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Frequency | Aircraft |
| EY631 | AUH | 08:55 | MED | 10:50 | Tue, Thu, Sat | A321 |
| EY632 | MED | 15:40 | AUH | 18:55 | Tue, Thu, Sat | A321 |
| EY633 | AUH | 14:30 | MED | 16:25 | Wed, Fri | A321 |
| EY634 | MED | 20:25 | AUH | 00:10 | Wed, Fri | A321 |
