Etihad Airways is preparing for one of its busiest winter travel seasons to date, with December expected to welcome more than 2 million guests through Abu Dhabi as travellers celebrate the festive season.
UAE residents are taking advantage of extended school holidays to travel, while the capital’s expanding cultural and leisure offerings are attracting visitors from around the world.
The demand reflects Abu Dhabi’s rising appeal as a destination and Etihad’s network growth throughout 2025.
New routes and enhanced connectivity at Zayed International Airport
With newly launched routes, frequencies across high-demand markets, and connectivity through Zayed International Airport, guests flying to or transiting through Abu Dhabi this December will benefit from an airport experience that the airline describes as coordinated.
Etihad continues to enhance the journey in collaboration with its airport partners, ensuring guests enjoy travel throughout the peak season.
To support a journey that the airline characterises as convenient, Etihad encourages guests to take advantage of the airline’s digital services, early check-in options, and Abu Dhabi City Check-In facilities, all designed to reduce waiting times and make travel easier for families, holidaymakers and those in transit.
How to navigate Etihad Airways’ busiest December season at Zayed International Airport
Arrive Early at the Airport: Etihad recommends arriving at Zayed International Airport at least three hours before flights. This gives time for check-in, security, and reaching gates. Early arrival also allows time for guests to enjoy the airport’s Lounges, the Etihad Spa by Be Relax, dining, and shopping areas.
Download the Etihad App: The airline advises passengers to download the Etihad App to make travel easier, with check-in available 30 hours before departure. Passengers can get digital boarding passes, receive flight and gate updates, track baggage on selected routes and access airport and travel information.
Guests can also check in and manage bookings at etihad.com.
Abu Dhabi ‘City Check-In’ services expand
Etihad offers City Check-In facilities across Abu Dhabi, including the Cruise Terminal, Yas Mall, Mussafah, and Al Ain City.
From December 1, 2025, US-bound guests can also benefit from offsite check-in services at the Cruise Terminal, providing convenience ahead of journeys.
Guests can drop bags and collect boarding passes up to 24 hours before flying, helping avoid queues at the airport.
Early bag drop and home check-in options
To save time, guests can drop bags at the airport up to 24 hours before departure, or 12 hours before US flights.
Home Check-In is available in Abu Dhabi, allowing guests to complete the check-in process from home, hotels, or offices, which is ideal for families and groups.
Baggage guidelines for December travel
Etihad reminds guests to make sure bags meet size, weight and safety rules.
Items such as power banks, removable-battery smart bags, and e-smoking devices must be carried in cabin baggage only.
Details are available on etihad.com.
With an expanding network and frequencies, Etihad offers one-stop connections through Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.
Abu Dhabi pass benefits for travellers
Guests travelling to or stopping over in Abu Dhabi can benefit from the Abu Dhabi Pass, which offers discounts at many of the city’s attractions, restaurants and leisure venues.
The pass includes savings at cultural landmarks and museums such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visitor experiences, and other cultural sites across the Emirate, as well as selected Yas Island leisure attractions.
The Abu Dhabi Pass also provides local SIM or eSIM with data, making it easier for visitors to stay connected during stays.
It is a way for travellers to explore Abu Dhabi’s museums, cultural districts, Yas Island experiences, National Day festivities, winter events, and New Year’s Eve celebrations throughout December.
