Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has announced it will begin direct flights between Atlanta and Abu Dhabi starting on July 2. These flights will operate four times a week, specifically on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

The airline plans to expand this service to daily flights beginning on November 1. Etihad Airways highlighted that this new route facilitates seamless travel to Atlanta, a city known for its rich history, diverse culinary offerings, and vibrant cultural life.

Currently, Etihad Airways connects passengers to five other North American cities: Boston, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. Additionally, the airline is set to introduce a sixth North American destination, Charlotte, N.C., in May 2026. The airline is based at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and will become the 16th international carrier serving Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.