Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, marks 20 years of operations in India this month, celebrating its journey of connecting India to Abu Dhabi and beyond. The airline first launched flights to Mumbai on 26 September 2004, followed by New Delhi on 1 December 2004.
To commemorate its 20-year milestone, Etihad reintroduced the iconic Airbus A380 on the Mumbai-Abu Dhabi route, offering a luxurious flying experience. The double-decker aircraft will operate three times a week until the end of 2024.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, of Etihad Airways, said: “India is a strategically important market for Etihad and we’re extremely proud to be celebrating 20 years of flying to this incredible country. When the young and ambitious Etihad launched flights to Mumbai in 2004, it was Etihad’s 8th global destination and since then we’ve expanded to 80 destinations with a vision to offer 125 destinations by 2030.
“This year, we are proud to offer Indian travellers a greater number of flight options from 11 gateways across India making Etihad the leading airline for connectivity for Indian travellers to the Middle East, Europe, and North America.”
Special 20% discount on bookings
Etihad is celebrating its 20th anniversary by offering passengers up to 20% off flights to and from India. The promotional offer is available for bookings made from 19 to 21 September 2024, valid for travel between 1 October 2024 and 15 March 2025. Popular destinations include Boston, New York, Paris, and London.
Additionally, passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi can enjoy a complimentary two-night hotel stay en route to their final destination, thanks to Etihad’s year-round Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, available for bookings on etihad.com.
Commitment to the Indian market
Over the years, Etihad has significantly expanded its network across India. Since its launch, the airline has operated over 172,000 flights, connecting more than 26 million passengers between India, the UAE, and global destinations.
Earlier this year, Etihad expanded its Indian network by launching new flights to Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Jaipur, increasing its total destinations in India to 11. The airline has also boosted seat capacity between Abu Dhabi and India with additional flight frequencies to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata.
Currently, Etihad operates over 50 more flights per week to India compared to last summer, offering more convenient departure times and enhanced flexibility for onward connections.
Investment in India
Etihad has made significant investments in India, including partnerships with prominent brands. The airline is the Official Sponsor of the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League and recently became the Official Front of Shirt sponsor for Mumbai City FC.
Bollywood star Katrina Kaif has also joined as Etihad's brand ambassador, further solidifying the airline's connection with Indian travellers.
Tailored services for Indian passengers
In recognition of the importance of the Indian market, Etihad offers a Hindi-language website and a range of Indian movies and music across various regional languages. On board, passengers can enjoy regional cuisines tailored to their departure city, with dishes reflecting local culinary traditions.
Indian representation at Etihad
Etihad employs more than 1,700 Indian nationals, contributing to its diverse workforce of 140 nationalities. These professionals hold key commercial and operational roles, reflecting the airline's commitment to fostering strong ties with India.
Etihad Airways’ continued expansion and dedication to its Indian passengers underline its ongoing role as a leading carrier connecting India to the world.