Doha, Qatar -12 November 2015

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is increasing capacity to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a third daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah, with effect  from 10  December  2015.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier's flights to the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, launched in May 2006, are among the most popular of its regional services, enjoying high demand from the UAE and Etihad's global network.

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways' Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said: "I am delighted to build on the success of our Jeddah flights. This new service expands our operation to the kingdom and further strengthens the already strong historic relations and cultural ties between the two Arab states.

"Business, religious and leisure guests flying between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah may now choose from greater schedule options. Abu Dhabi's geographical location makes it ideal as a gateway for air travellers going to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, connecting easily and quickly across Etihad Airways' route network."

Etihad Airways' third daily service between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah will be served with an Airbus A320 aircraft, configured with 16 seats in Business Class and 120 in Economy. The existing double daily flights are operated on two-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft,

Etihad Airways currently operates nine daily flights across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - including Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah. Recently, Etihad Airways expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia through a new five-times-per-week codeshare between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi operated by codeshare partner flynas.

Note: All departures and arrivals are listed in local time.

- Ends -

About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways began operations in 2003, and in 2014 carried 14.8 million passengers. From its Abu Dhabi base, Etihad Airways flies to or has announced plans to serve 113 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas. The airline has a fleet of 119 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and more than 200 aircraft on firm order, including 66 Boeing 787s, 25 Boeing 777Xs, 62 Airbus A350s and five Airbus A380s.

Etihad Airways holds equity investments in airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Jet Airways, Virgin Australia, and Swiss-based Darwin Airline, trading as Etihad Regional. Etihad Airways, along with airberlin, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Alitalia, Etihad Regional, Jet Airways and NIKI, also participate in Etihad Airways Partners, a new brand that brings together like-minded airlines to offer customers more choice through improved networks and schedules and enhanced frequent flyer benefits.  For more information, please visit: www.etihad.com

For more information contact:
Corporate Communications
Direct: +971 2 511 1034 
Email:  himam@etihad.ae

© Press Release 2015