New route brings southern charm to the UAE — with four Dreamliner flights weekly from May 2026
Charlotte, NC – get ready for a whole lot more international flavour.
Etihad Airways is officially adding Charlotte to its U.S. network, with non-stop flights launching 4 May 2026.
It marks the airline’s first-ever route to North Carolina and makes Etihad the only carrier from the Gulf region flying direct to this booming southern city.
Flying in style? You bet. T
he route will run four times a week on Etihad’s sleek Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with all the bells, whistles, and warm Abu Dhabi hospitality you’d expect — across both Business and Economy cabins.
“Charlotte is one of America’s most exciting, fast-growing cities,” says Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves. “We’re proud to be the first in the region to offer direct service here.”
The new connection is more than just a flight —I t links two powerhouses of culture, business, and innovation. From Charlotte’s buzzing finance scene and motorsport fame to Abu Dhabi’s global energy and culture, this route brings two dynamic worlds even closer.
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With this launch, Charlotte becomes Etihad’s sixth U.S. destination, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and the soon-to-launch Atlanta (July 2025). And with morning departures from Abu Dhabi and midday returns, schedules are built for easy connections across Etihad’s global network.
Plus, flying into the US. just got smoother — Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport offers US Preclearance, so travellers arrive in Charlotte like domestic passengers. No queues. No hassle.
Why Charlotte?
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It’s a city on the rise. Home to major corporations, the iconic NASCAR Hall of Fame, leafy trails, and a booming cultural scene, it’s a magnet for both business travellers and weekend explorers.
Its airport, Charlotte Douglas International, is now one of the busiest in the world. It’s big, it’s buzzing, and now, it’s directly connected to the UAE.
Tickets are on sale now at Etihad Airways. Time to plan that southern escape — or connect to Asia and beyond via Abu Dhabi.
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