Etihad announces ten new routes

In a much-hyped announcement, Etihad has revealed ten new destinations it will fly to in 2025. It is slim pickings for the UK, indeed for Europe.

Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves says:

“2025 marks a pivotal year for Etihad, with more than 90 destinations in over 50 countries, a fleet of more than 110 aircraft – including our amazing new A321LRs – welcoming over 20 million guests onboard. Most importantly, it will support us in bringing over a million visitors to Abu Dhabi to enjoy our home.”

The ten routes are (all dates are 2025):

• Algiers (4x weekly from 7th November)
• Atlanta (3x weekly from 2nd July)
• Chiang Mai (4x weekly from 3rd November)
• Hanoi (daily from 3rd November)
• Hong Kong (5x weekly from 3rd November)
• Krabi (daily from 9th October)
• Medan (3x weekly from 2nd October)
• Phnom Penh (5x weekly from 3rd October)
• Taipei (daily from 7th September)
• Tunis (3x weekly from 1st November)

Other previously announced new routes for 2025 include Prague, Warsaw and Al Alamein.

According to Cirium, these are all new entirely routes for the airline with the exception of Hong Kong, which it operated pre-pandemic.

Five of the new routes are to South East Asia, with Thailand getting two new flights. This should open up the area even further and increase competition with Qatar Airways and Emirates.

All of the routes will start in 2025, with Atlanta the first to launch on 2nd July. This is followed by a daily service to Taipei with the rest following in October and November.

All flights, with the exception of Hong Kong, Taipei and Atlanta, will be operated by Etihad’s fleet of new A321LRs.

The first of these are due to arrive in the new year and are a key factor in enabling the airline to expand on routes that might not make sense with a widebody aircraft. Etihad is widely expected to install proper lie-flat business class seats on its A321LR.

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How to earn Etihad Guest miles from UK credit cards (April 2025)

Etihad Guest does not have a UK credit card.  However, you can earn Etihad Guest miles by converting Membership Rewards points earned from selected UK American Express cards.

Cards earning Membership Rewards points include:

• American Express Preferred Rewards Gold (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 20,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 20,000 Etihad Guest miles. This card is FREE for your first year and also comes with four free airport lounge passes.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

• The Platinum Card from American Express (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 50,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 50,000 Etihad Guest miles.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

• American Express Rewards credit card (review here, apply here) – sign-up bonus of 10,000 Membership Rewards points converts into 10,000 Etihad Guest miles. This card is FREE for life.

Membership Rewards points convert at 1:1 into Etihad Guest miles which is an attractive rate.  The cards above all earn 1 Membership Rewards point per £1 spent on your card, which converts to 1 Etihad Guest mile.

The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card earns double points (2 per £1) on all flights you charge to it, not just with Etihad but with any airline.