Despite recent war-related disruption in the Gulf, Etihad Airways launched its first nonstop service between Abu Dhabi and Charlotte on Friday, giving the Queen City its longest nonstop flight now in operation.
The inaugural flight marked Etihad’s first-ever arrival in Charlotte. It arrived about an hour late, and passengers spent roughly 16 hours traveling on a route scheduled for about 14 hours.
There had been questions about whether the new service would begin on time after President Donald Trump ordered the bombing of Iran three weeks ago. The conflict affected several Gulf airlines, including Etihad, and Abu Dhabi’s airport was closed for several days.
Etihad also swapped aircraft for the first flight. The airline had planned to use a Boeing 787 Dreamliner but instead operated an Airbus A350, a lighter and more fuel-efficient jet built for ultra-long-haul routes.
The return inaugural flight departed Charlotte later Friday afternoon. The new route now connects Charlotte directly with the UAE capital four days a week, with round-trip coach fares starting around $900.
For Charlotte, the launch adds a major new international link even as global conflict continues to affect air travel.
