Etihad Airways Launches Direct Flights from Charlotte (CLT) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) Starting May 2026

Flight Details and Schedule

• Frequency: 4 times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
• Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with 303 seats
• Duration: Approx. 15 hours nonstop
• Significance: First Boeing 787 service at CLT and longest nonstop flight for the airport

Expanding Etihad’s U.S. Network

With this addition, Etihad now serves six U.S. cities directly:

• New York (JFK)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Washington D.C. (IAD)
• Boston (BOS)
• Atlanta (ATL) launching July 2, 2025
• Charlotte (CLT) launching May 4, 2026

This new route provides seamless access for travelers in the southeastern U.S. to the Middle East, India, and Asia through Etihad’s global network.

U.S. Preclearance at Abu Dhabi Airport

Passengers flying from Abu Dhabi to Charlotte benefit from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Preclearance at Abu Dhabi International Airport. This means they complete immigration and customs formalities before boarding, allowing them to arrive in Charlotte as domestic travelers — saving time and simplifying the arrival process.

Booking and Fare Information

Tickets are now available on Etihad’s official website. Economy class round-trip fares start around $1,503, with business class available for travelers seeking added comfort.

Why This Matters for Travelers and Businesses in Charlotte

This new direct connection opens up exciting opportunities for:

• Business travelers expanding relations with the Middle East
• Tourists seeking easy access to UAE and beyond
• Students and families visiting or returning from abroad
• Airlines and tour operators offering seamless Umrah or Hajj packages

About MPS Tours

As a travel agency based in Detroit specializing in Umrah packages for U.S. travelers, MPS Tours is excited about this new route. Direct flights from Charlotte can make spiritual journeys and other travels easier and more affordable for many clients.