Etihad To Serve Charlotte, Adjusts China Strategy
Etihad Airways plans to expand its U.S. network to six destinations during the summer 2026 season with the launch of a new route to Charlotte, North Carolina, while simultaneously scaling back direct service to China.
Etihad Airways plans to expand its U.S. network to six destinations during the summer 2026 season with the launch of a new route to Charlotte, North Carolina, while simultaneously scaling back direct service to China.
The airline will begin nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport on May 4, 2026. The route will operate four times per week using Boeing 787 aircraft, marking Etihad’s first entry into the southeastern U.S. market.
Describing Charlotte as a strategic addition, CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the route “unlocks direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions.” Etihad already serves New York JFK, Chicago O’Hare, Washington Dulles, Boston and Los Angeles, and is set to launch Atlanta service on July 2.
Charlotte is a major hub for American Airlines, offering broad domestic and Latin American connectivity. However, while Etihad and American previously had a codeshare agreement, it was terminated in 2018 amid disputes over Gulf carrier subsidies.
According to OAG Schedules Analyser, Etihad’s new route will become Charlotte’s only nonstop link to the Middle East. The airline says the service will offer one-stop connections across its network in the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and Asia.
The Charlotte announcement comes as Etihad adjusts its approach to China. The carrier withdrew its Abu Dhabi–Shanghai Pudong service on April 28, the same day its joint venture partner China Eastern Airlines inaugurated its own Shanghai–Abu Dhabi route.
While Etihad had initially planned to resume Shanghai service in October, booking availability has now been closed, as published by Aeroroutes. However, the airline will continue to serve Beijing Daxing on its own metal.
The network changes come as Etihad confirmed an order for 28 widebody aircraft—787s and 777Xs—scheduled for delivery from 2028. The fleet expansion supports Etihad’s plan to double in size by 2030 and further expand its global network.
