Etihad Airways is having a busy 2025 after launching flights to 10 new destinations at the start of the year and adding other new routes since.
It's not the only UAE's national carrier that is expanding its network – Emirates, flydubai, Air Arabia and Wizz Air Abu Dhabi also have new routes.
Here are the new flight destinations from the UAE in 2025.
Sharjah to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Launched: January 30 (Air Arabia)
Air Arabia now has three direct flights a week to Addis Ababa, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Ethiopia's capital is known for its cultural heritage, vibrant markets and historical landmarks, such as the National Museum of Ethiopia, home to the famous Lucy fossil. A mix of modern and traditional influences, Addis Ababa provides a dynamic gateway to Ethiopia’s history and diverse landscapes.
Abu Dhabi to Varna, Bulgaria
Launched: March 31 (Wizz Air Abu Dhabi)
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi now flies three times a week – on Monday, Wednesday and Friday – to Varna.
In the summer, Varna is a popular spot for a beach getaway, with its long stretches of sand and lively seaside atmosphere. The city has a bit of everything. History buffs can check out the Archaeological Museum, home to the world’s oldest processed gold, while those looking to unwind can stroll through the Sea Garden or relax at a cafe.
Dubai to Da Nang, Vietnam
Launching: June 2 (Emirates)
Emirates will begin four weekly flights to Da Nang via Bangkok, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, as part of its summer schedule.
Da Nang, in central Vietnam, is known for its stunning beaches, landmarks such as the Dragon Bridge and Golden Bridge, and rich cultural heritage. The city offers a blend of relaxation, history and modern attractions and is near Unesco World Heritage sites.
Abu Dhabi to Prague, Czech Republic
Launching: June 2 (Etihad)
Etihad will operate four flights a week to the Czech Republic capital on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Prague has long been known as an arts and culture hub, famously once home to Mozart and Franz Kafka. Nowadays, both have museums dedicated to their lives and work. The city is also known for its medieval architecture, Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and Saint Vitus Cathedral
Abu Dhabi to Warsaw, Poland
Launching: June 3 (Etihad)
Etihad will operate four weekly flights to the Polish capital on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Warsaw is jam-packed with historical and artistic gems. A must-visit is the reconstructed Old Town. Much of it was destroyed during the Second World War, but was meticulously rebuilt to almost perfectly mirror its pre-war appearance. Now, it's one of 17 Unesco World Heritage sites in the country.
Dubai to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Launching: June 3 (Emirates)
Emirates will fly to Siem Reap via Bangkok on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays this summer.
Known for its French Colonial and Chinese-style architecture, Siem Reap is home to Angkor Wat, a Unesco World Heritage site and the world's largest religious monument. The city's attractions include the Angkor National Museum, which offers insights into Khmer civilisation, and the vibrant Angkor Night Market.
Abu Dhabi to Beirut, Lebanon
Launching: June 4 (Wizz Air Abu Dhabi)
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will soon be operating three flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Lebanon's capital has a rich history and a vibrant cultural scene. The city offers a mix of ancient and modern attractions, from the Roman ruins of downtown to its vibrant nightlife and renowned food scene. Also expect seaside promenades, bustling souqs and warm hospitality.
Abu Dhabi to Gabala, Azerbaijan
Launching: June 19 (Wizz Air Abu Dhabi)
Wizz Air Abu Dhabi will fly to Gabala in Azerbaijan on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
A hidden gem, Gabala is a scenic mountain retreat with lush landscapes and adventure activities. Known for its fresh air and stunning Caucasus Mountain views, the city is a good spot for activities such as hiking, zip-lining and skiing in the winter. There are also ancient ruins, cultural sites and modern resorts.
Dubai to Al Alamein, Egypt
Launching: June 21 (Flydubai)
Flydubai will offer daily flights to Al Alamein from June 21 until September 7.
Al Alamein, on Egypt’s North Coast, is a quiet getaway with beautiful Mediterranean beaches and clear blue water. It’s also known for its Second World War memorials and museums, which highlight the area’s history. In recent years, new resorts have popped up, offering a mix of history and relaxation.
Sharjah to Sochi, Russia
Launching: June 27 (Air Arabia)
Air Arabia will fly from Sharjah three times a week to the Black Sea city. Flights will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Sochi is the largest resort city in Russia. Famous for its fruit markets, the city is also home to the world's north-westernmost tea plantations. Travellers can also expect mountainous coastlines, waterfalls, historical sites and a vibrant nightlife.
Dubai to Shenzhen, China
Launching: July 1 (Emirates)
Emirates will begin daily flights to Shenzhen, in the south of China in July. The vibrant city is known for its rapid transformation into a major economic hub. It has a mixture of modern attractions and cultural sites such as Splendid China Folk Village. Travellers can also enjoy panoramic views from the Ping An Finance Centre.
Abu Dhabi to Atlanta, the US
Launching: July 2 (Etihad)
Etihad will fly directly, four times a week, to Atlanta from July 2 before increasing to daily flights on November 1.
Atlanta is a bustling metropolis and a major business and transportation hub. The city has a thriving tech scene, professional sports teams, craft breweries and dining spots. Passengers who fly with Etihad can also take advantage of US preclearance at Zayed International Airport.
Abu Dhabi to Taipei, Taiwan
Launching: September 7 (Etihad)
Etihad will offer daily flights to Taipei starting in September.
The bustling captain of Taiwan has a gorgeous skyline, lively night markets and historical temples. There’s plenty to do, from visiting quirky cafes to offbeat museums. Taipei also boasts several hidden parks that serve as tranquil retreats.
Dubai to Chisinau, Moldova
Launching: September 17 (Flydubai)
Flydubai will head to the Modolvan capital twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays.
It may be modest in population size – the current estimate is approximately 500,000 – but it is still the biggest city in the country and is famed for being a scenic green capital city. Explore by foot to soak in the striking architecture.
Abu Dhabi to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Launching: October 1 (Etihad)
Etihad will have daily flights to Addis Ababa in October, thanks to a partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.
Visiting Addis Ababa in the autumn means enjoying the lush, green landscapes left by the rainy season, along with comfortable temperatures. October also marks the start of the coffee harvest season, offering travellers a chance to experience Ethiopia’s world-renowned coffee culture at its freshest in traditional cafes and at local farms.
Abu Dhabi to Medan, Indonesia
Launching: October 2 (Etihad)
The UAE’s national carrier will fly three times a week to Medan from October 2.
Medan is Indonesia’s third-largest city and has a mix of culture, great food, and easy access to Lake Toba, one of Indonesia’s most famous natural spots. The city has interesting landmarks like Maimun Palace and the Great Mosque, but it’s also known for its street food and local dishes.
Abu Dhabi to Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Launching: October 3 (Etihad)
Etihad will start offering five daily flights to Phnom Penh on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Phnom Penh, also nicknamed the “Pearl of Asia”, is Cambodia’s most populous city. It is known for its walkable riverfront lined with parks, restaurants and bars. Top attractions include the Royal Palace, the National Museum of Cambodia and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Abu Dhabi to Krabi, Thailand
Launching: October 9 (Etihad)
In October, Etihad will start daily flights to Krabi. The Thai city is famous for its scenic views and impressive beaches and islands.
It also has beautiful coral reef vistas, which make it a great spot for diving. Other attractions include hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves and national parks.
Abu Dhabi to Tunis, Tunisia
Launching: November 1 (Etihad)
Etihad will have three flights a week to Tunis on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Tunisia’s capital city has a rich history as well as stunning Mediterranean beaches, a centuries-old medina and the Bardo Palace, a museum that houses one of the largest collections of Roman mosaics in the world.
Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai, Thailand
Launching: November 3 (Etihad)
Etihad will fly to the northern Thailand city four days a week.
The mountainous city is in northern Thailand. It is home to hundreds of temples, including the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, which offers great views from the hilltop. It’s also known for its night markets, with local street food and handmade crafts.
Abu Dhabi to Hanoi, Vietnam
Launching: November 3 (Etihad)
Etihad will begin daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Hanoi in November.
Hanoi, the Vietnamese capital, has ancient buildings, extensive structures from the French colonial period and monumental, Soviet-style communist architecture. Its Old Quarter is popular for its narrow streets, markets and food stalls.
Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong
Launching: November 3 (Etihad)
There will be five Etihad flights a week to Hong Kong on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The city offers a mix of city life, culture and nature. There are street markets and dim sum spots as well as hiking trails with amazing views. Hong Kong’s famous peak tram goes up Victoria Peak and offers a bird’s-eye view of the city’s many impressive skyscrapers.
Abu Dhabi to Algiers, Algeria
Launching: November 7 (Etihad)
Etihad will have four weekly flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Algiers on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The capital city is known for its mix of French colonial and North African influences, seen in its architecture, food and culture. There’s also the Casbah, a Unesco World Heritage site known for its narrow streets, historic homes and traditional markets.
