Etihad Increases Heathrow Flights As BA Halts Abu Dhabi

Etihad Airways is making a major move to enhance its services between Abu Dhabi and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) by adding a fifth daily flight for the summer 2025 season. This expansion is the result of a new agreement where Etihad will lease an additional daily slot from American Airlines, effective from March 30 to October 25, 2025.

More Flights, More Options

With the additional slot, Etihad will operate an extra flight on the popular 3,426-mile (2,977 nautical miles) route. This means travelers will have more flexibility and options when flying between Abu Dhabi and London, with a total of five daily flights. Previously, the slot was held by American Airlines for its flights to U.S. destinations like Philadelphia and Dallas/Fort Worth.

New Aircraft for the Longest Route

The new service, EY703/704, will be operated using an Airbus A321, which is notable for being the farthest route for this aircraft type in Etihad’s network. This route will now surpass Etihad’s current longest A321 flight, which operates between Abu Dhabi and Phnom Penh, Cambodia. The A321 is known for its efficiency, and this new service will allow the airline to cater to increased demand while using a fuel-efficient aircraft.

A321 Fleet Expansion

Etihad currently operates nine Airbus A321 aircraft, along with six A321neos previously used by Bamboo Airways in Vietnam. The A321neo, which was added to Etihad's fleet in May 2024, offers even greater fuel efficiency and improved passenger comfort, making it an ideal choice for long routes like this one.

Competitive Advantage Amid British Airways Suspension

Etihad’s expansion into this route comes at a time when British Airways is temporarily suspending its own service between Heathrow and Abu Dhabi. British Airways has announced that, due to ongoing supply chain issues with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines, it will pause its daily flights between London and Abu Dhabi from March 30 through October 25, 2025. This temporary suspension opens the door for Etihad to capture more demand on this busy route.

Etihad’s Current Heathrow Operations

Currently, Etihad operates four daily flights from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) to London Heathrow using a combination of Airbus A380-800, Boeing 787-9, and 787-10 aircraft. These flights provide a significant 21,000 two-way weekly seats on the route, offering travelers multiple options for getting between these two major cities.

Looking Ahead

With the added daily flight, Etihad aims to continue meeting the growing demand for travel between Abu Dhabi and London. The additional service will also provide more choices for passengers while offering competitive advantages as British Airways temporarily suspends its route. The expanded flight schedule, combined with the airline’s modern and diverse fleet, will ensure that travelers can enjoy a comfortable and convenient experience when flying between the UAE and the UK.