This new route brings southern charm to the UAE — with four Dreamliner flights weekly
Etihad Airways has officially launched Charlotte to its U.S. network, with non-stop flights launched on 20 March 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.
“Charlotte is one of America’s most exciting, fast-growing cities,” says Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves at the time of the announcement. “We’re proud to be the first in the region to offer direct service here.”
The new connection is more than just a flight — it 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 D.C., Boston, and Atlanta.
Plus, flying into the US. got smoother last year — 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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