Middle Eastern carrier Etihad Airways has announced the launch of nonstop flights from Abu Dhabi to Charlotte, North Carolina, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States, further expanding its growing network of US routes. The new services are due to commence on May 4, 2026, and will initially operate four times per week using the carrier’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Charlotte, known as the ‘Queen City’, becomes Etihad’s sixth destination in the United States, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta, with new services to the latter commencing on July 2, 2025.
Flights onboard the Boeing 787 flights to Charlotte (7,408 miles/11,852km) will offer a choice of two classes of service – business and economy. With the start of the new route, Etihad becomes the first of the ‘Big Three’ Middle Eastern carriers to serve Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), and the service is being seen as an important new connection between the region, the UAE and beyond.
According to an airline statement, “The new service links Abu Dhabi with one of America’s most dynamic financial and cultural hubs, giving travellers greater access to Etihad’s expanding global network and the renowned hospitality of the UAE capital.” Charlotte’s rapid economic development, combined with its status as a major financial hub, makes it an attractive destination for business and leisure travelers alike.
“A thriving centre for finance, technology, motorsport and culture, Charlotte is home to major US corporations and attracts millions of visitors annually for both business and leisure. From the iconic NASCAR Hall of Fame to its scenic trails and southern charm, the city offers a diverse mix of experiences for every traveller. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, ranking sixth globally for aircraft movements in 2024—a reflection of the city’s growing importance as a major transport hub,” continued the statement.
“Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our US network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travellers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
With early morning departures from Abu Dhabi to Charlotte and with midday returns, Etihad says that its new schedule has been designed to facilitate seamless onward connections to a host of other destinations in Asia, the Middel East and the Indian subcontinent via Etihad’s global hub at Abu Dhabi-Zayed International Airport (AUH).
In addition, a specific benefit for passengers flying to Charlotte is the availability of US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance at Abu Dhabi International Airport. This service allows passengers to complete US customs and immigration inspections before boarding their flight. As a result, travelers arrive in Charlotte as domestic passengers, enabling faster processing, avoiding long queues, and easing onward travel within the United States.
The CBP preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport is part of a growing network of U.S. preclearance sites abroad, designed to streamline transatlantic and transpacific travel.
More fleet expansion ahead
This announcement comes swiftly after Etihad announced a major fleet expansion plan involving the acquisition of a further 28 Boeing-built widebodies. On May 15, 2025, the airline carrier placed a substantial order with Boeing for the new additions in an order in a deal valued at approximately US$14.5 billion.
The order includes a mix of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the new Boeing 777X jets, all powered by General Electric (GE) engines and supported by a comprehensive services package. This latest order increases Etihad’s total outstanding Boeing aircraft orders to 81, positioning the airline for future growth and modernization. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered starting in 2028 and will complement Etihad’s existing fleet, enhancing operational efficiency and passenger comfort across its long-haul routes.
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Using the Boeing 787‑9 Dreamliner four times weekly makes sense—premium business and roomy economy cabins will suit both long-haul travelers and regional flyers. And with 15-hour flights being pre-cleared in Abu Dhabi, arriving like a domestic passenger is a huge convenience.
Charlotte clearly isn’t slowing down—it had 58.8 million passengers in 2024, making this the airport’s longest direct route yet. It’s sweet to see Charlotte’s transformation from regional hub to an international gateway—sports, banking, and tech are clearly making it a global city.
It’ll be interesting to watch how this shapes local travel—and whether other Gulf carriers like Emirates or Qatar will follow suit. For residents in the Southeast and nearby regions, this opens up one-stop access across Asia, the Middle East, and beyond—no need to reroute through New York or Atlanta.