Charlotte lands its first direct flight to the flourishing Middle East
Etihad Airways’ plans to launch nonstop service between Charlotte and Abu Dhabi in March
mark a major expansion for the national airline of the United Arab Emirates and the world’s
sixth-busiest airport.
“We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market,” Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said when announcing the plan last year. They are not the only ones.
“Etihad’s arrival is a milestone for CLT as we continue expanding our global reach,” says Haley Gentry, CEO of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. “This new route provides our passengers with greater access to international destinations and strengthens Charlotte’s role as a key gateway for global travel.”
Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s capital city, with a population of more than 2.5 million, while the region has another 1 million-plus residents. Fewer than 100,000 people lived in the city in 1960. The UAE’s vast oil and gas reserves, which have been extracted since the 1960s, provide one of the world’s highest economic outputs per capita and a $1 trillion sovereign
wealth fund. Still, an estimated 19% of citizens live in poverty.
Etihad Airways’ new route also facilitates travel to myriad destinations beyond the region. Etihad has connectivity to destinations across Asia, especially India. Etihad flies to 11 cities in the world’s most populous nation, including Bengaluru and Hyderabad, two cities that have become major hubs for information technology.
“This is exciting news for our Indian community,” says Lal Vishin, president of the Indian Association of Charlotte. “Travel to India is often essential for family reunions, cultural connections, and business opportunities. The new nonstop service to Abu Dhabi could make it easier for them to stay connected with their roots and explore new business prospects.”
Aside from India, Etihad’s flights to five cities in Saudi Arabia facilitate travel for petroleum-industry executives and partners in architecture firms benefiting from the Kingdom’s massive investment in tourism infrastructure. The new Saudi hotels need professional services for their design, trucks to move construction materials and furniture to fill the rooms. That expansion provides opportunities for North Carolina furniture, film and other industries, officials say.
In the current political climate, foreign businesses are eager to establish a domestic presence either directly or in partnership with local entities. A recent memorandum of understanding signed by the North Carolina Chamber and the Abu Dhabi Chamber augurs well for a future of collaboration between the Tar Heel State and the emirate, one of seven that constitute the United Arab Emirates. “Charlotte is a destination that has a very fast-growing economy, which is linked to the growth that Abu Dhabi is having at the same time,” says Adria Rabassa, Etihad’s director of network and scheduling.
Gulf countries are already investing heavily in the U.S. Etihad bought 28 Boeing aircraft in 2025, a $14 billion investment in the big aircraft manufacturer. The airline reported record profit of $463 million during the first nine months last year, with revenue of $5.9 billion driven by its fleet of 115 aircraft.
Etihad’s 787-9 Dreamliners will depart Charlotte Douglas four times a week. On return flights, Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport is a rarity in having a U.S. Customs pre-clearance facility, enabling travelers to clear U.S. Customs before they board their flights, and walk off the plane and head for connecting flights without worrying about long lines for passport checks. American Airlines has a partner agreement with Etihad that allows passengers to earn benefits in its frequent-flyer program.
The six countries of the Arabian Gulf Cooperation Council emphasize a priority interest in commerce, not conflict. They often criticize European and American media for not making
that distinction.
Abu Dhabi’s growing tourism economy includes the Ferrari World and SeaWorld theme parks, the luxury of Emirates Palace, and the opulent Qasr al Sarab desert resort. Disney’s first theme park in the region is expected to open in Abu Dhabi by 2032.
On New Year’s Eve, Six Flags opened a theme park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Six Flags Qiddiya City is owned by a company backed by the country’s public investment fund, with the Charlotte-based company providing management services. ■
