Etihad Airways announced the initiation of flights to Al Alamein International Airport (DBB), a gateway to Egypt’s northern coastline along the Mediterranean and conveniently close to the historic city of Alexandria.
According to a statement, this new route is set to launch in July 2025, offering travelers direct access to the Al Sahel region, renowned for its vibrant and rapidly developing coastal resorts. Al Sahel boasts stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich historical backdrop, making it an increasingly popular destination for vacationers. Etihad’s upcoming flights will link holidaymakers from the UAE, the Gulf region, and beyond to this rising tourism hotspot.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed excitement about adding Al Alamein to their expanding portfolio of destinations. He noted that Al Alamein serves as the gateway to Egypt’s hidden treasure, combining natural beauty with cultural heritage. He conveyed confidence that it would become a popular choice for guests seeking both relaxation and adventure. Neves emphasized that this new route underscores their commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences and expanding access to exciting new markets.
Target audience, flight availability
The new flights are expected to attract both tourists eager to explore Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline and history enthusiasts interested in visiting Al Alamein’s famous historical sites and museums.
Tickets are now available for purchase, with flights operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. These flights will utilize one of the airline’s modern A320 family aircraft, featuring eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats, all while offering Etihad’s award-winning service onboard. This announcement is the latest in a series of new routes introduced by Etihad, with more anticipated before the close of 2024.
Aircraft upgrade in Canada
On October 27, 2024, Toronto Pearson Airport welcomed Etihad Airways’ first Airbus A350, marking an upgrade to the UAE national airline’s daily services between Abu Dhabi and Canada. The introduction of this aircraft enhances the guest experience with its cutting-edge design and the latest cabin interiors, showcasing Etihad’s ongoing commitment to providing a world-class travel experience for passengers traveling between Canada and the UAE.
Read more: Etihad Cargo celebrates 20 years of commitment to India and enhanced air cargo solutions
Expansion to Boston
In addition, Etihad will commence daily flights to Boston, U.S., starting November 1, just six months after launching the Massachusetts route. The airline now operates 42 weekly flights to North America, including twice-daily services to New York JFK and daily flights to Boston, Chicago, Toronto, and Washington DC.
Travelers heading to the United States can benefit from the new US Customs and Border Protection facility at Abu Dhabi, which streamlines the immigration process for a smoother journey. Etihad’s complimentary stopover program allows travelers to turn their layover into an unforgettable experience, offering up to two free nights at premium hotels in Abu Dhabi, showcasing the city as a must-visit destination.
Significant aircraft engine sale
Last week, Sanad, a leader in global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions and wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), announced a significant agreement to sell 16 aircraft engines to Etihad Airways (EY), valued at approximately AED 1.5 billion ($408.4 million). This landmark transaction between two of Abu Dhabi’s leading aviation entities highlights the emirate’s status as a global aviation hub and supports Etihad Airways’ ongoing expansion, enhancing the strength of the Abu Dhabi aviation ecosystem.
The sale encompasses a selection of next-generation aircraft engines powering Etihad’s modern fleet, including nine GEnx engines for Boeing 787s, five GP7200 engines for Airbus A380s, one Trent XWB engine for Airbus A350s, and one V2500 engine for Airbus A320s. This collaboration underscores the strong synergy between Sanad and Etihad Airways, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s aviation landscape and advancing the emirate’s strategic goals as the sector plays a crucial role in promoting non-oil trade and driving economic growth.
Routes to Düsseldorf and Copenhagen
On October 17, Etihad Airways revealed enhancements to its European network. Starting October 1, 2025, the airline will provide daily services to both Düsseldorf, Germany, and Copenhagen, Denmark, further bolstering connections between the UAE and these European cities.
The Düsseldorf route will see a notable increase, transitioning to a daily service from its current schedule, adding four weekly flights for improved passenger flexibility and connectivity. Furthermore, Düsseldorf will now be served year-round, ensuring consistent travel options throughout the seasons. Similarly, the Copenhagen route will be upgraded from its existing four-times-weekly schedule to daily operations, adding three more weekly flights to the Danish capital, thus enhancing Etihad’s presence in Scandinavia.
For more news on hospitality & tourism, click here.
