Etihad Airways, the esteemed national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has exciting news for travelers looking to explore the picturesque Russian resort city of Sochi, known as the ‘Gateway to the Black Sea’. In a bid to broaden its horizons, the airline has unveiled plans to launch direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Sochi starting May 29, 2025, operating thrice a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. The journey will cover a distance of 1,554 miles (2,486km), connecting passengers to Sochi International Airport from Abu Dhabi-Zayed International Airport.

Pilotcenter.net News reports that Etihad Airways will deploy its reliable fleet of Airbus A320 narrow-bodied aircraft, configured to accommodate 158 passengers, with eight plush seats in business class and 150 in economy class. This strategic summer route initiation is designed to grant passengers convenient access to the captivating Krasnodar Krai region, home to stunning beach resorts and mountainous terrain in the breathtaking Caucasus area, which gained worldwide acclaim as the venue of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The airline emphasizes that Sochi's allure lies in its harmonious blend of natural splendor and rich cultural heritage, offering an array of activities perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. This bold move underscores Etihad’s unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled travel experiences and facilitating access to vibrant new markets.

This latest addition of the Sochi route is part of Etihad’s ambitious expansion roadmap, as the airline steadily broadens its global footprint. Besides Sochi, Etihad is set to introduce flights to thirteen other exciting destinations in 2024, including Atlanta, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Taipei, Prague, and Warsaw. The airline is further boosting its presence across North Africa and Southeast Asia, opening up new avenues of exploration in cities like Algiers, Tunis, Al Alamein, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Medan, Phnom Penh, among others.

Moreover, Etihad is poised to enhance its connections in other regions, like the upcoming direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Nairobi, Kenya, along with a recent codeshare agreement with Air Astana from Kazakhstan. With a flourishing fleet of 104 aircraft and additional orders in the pipeline, including state-of-the-art models like the Airbus A321LRs and A350-1000s, Etihad Airways is truly soaring to new heights in the world of aviation.