Charlotte Douglas International Airport announced Friday that Etihad Airways will begin nonstop service to Abu Dhabi in May 2026, marking the first direct connection between Charlotte and the United Arab Emirates.
The route will operate four times weekly using Etihad’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, offering both Business and Economy cabins. Charlotte will become the airline’s sixth U.S. destination, joining New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta, which launches this July.
“The addition of a direct flight to Abu Dhabi reinforces Charlotte as a world-class city,” Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said in a press release. “These new, nonstop flights will be sure to welcome both increased tourism and new business to our region. We are honored to continue enhancing global access for our region’s residents while creating connections for new visitors to enjoy Charlotte’s amenities and entertainment.”
Flights from Charlotte are expected to depart in the early morning with midday returns, providing smooth connections through Etihad’s global hub at Zayed International Airport. Passengers will have one-stop access to destinations across the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Asia.
Travelers flying to Charlotte will benefit from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance in Abu Dhabi, allowing them to arrive as domestic passengers.
Flight time is estimated at 15 hours, with ticket prices starting around $1,500. Tickets are now available at etihad.com.
