A new airline will start service from Charlotte Douglas International Airport next spring, a major expansion that marks the city's first nonstop service from a Middle Eastern carrier.
Etihad Airways said in a news release Friday that it will fly four times a week from Charlotte to Abu Dhabi, starting May 4, 2026, and using a Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Charlotte will be Etihad's sixth U.S. destination. The airline also flies to New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston, and Atlanta.
“Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions,” said Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves. “We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
#CLTairport’s newest airline and international route is … @Etihad to @AUH on a 787-9 Dreamliner! With this milestone, Etihad becomes the first airline from the region to fly directly to Charlotte.
— CLT Airport (@CLTAirport) May 16, 2025
Flights will begin May 4, 2026, with 4x weekly service. Tickets are now open for… pic.twitter.com/hFUTuOY2tE
The flights will allow one-stop connections from Charlotte to India, Pakistan, Asian cities and other Middle Eastern destinations serviced by Etihad. The national airline of the United Arab Emirates, Etihad flies to more than 100 cities in 40 countries.
Charlotte Douglas has grown over the decades into one of the busiest U.S. airports, with almost 59 million passengers in 2024. The airport is dominated by American Airlines — which counts Etihad as a partner in its network — and has a relatively small share of international traffic compared with other major airports. There are currently just three foreign-flagged carriers that serve Charlotte Douglas (Air Canada, Lufthansa and Volaris, from Mexico).
“Etihad’s arrival is a milestone for CLT as we continue expanding our global reach,” said Haley Gentry, CEO of Charlotte Douglas, in a statement. “This new route opens the door to the Middle East and beyond, providing our passengers with greater access to international destinations and strengthening Charlotte’s role as a key gateway for global travel.”