Etihad Unveils Nine New Routes for 2025 Expansion This Year
Etihad Airways has recently unveiled two new routes, boosting its total new services this year to nine.
On October 2, 2025, the airline proudly marked its inaugural flight to Medan, located in Sumatra, Indonesia. This launch was followed by another milestone as flights to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, commenced on October 3, 2025.
Flight Details
The service to Phnom Penh will initially operate four times each week, increasing to six flights weekly starting November 1, 2025. Meanwhile, the Medan route will have three flights per week.
Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed enthusiasm about expanding their Southeast Asian network. “We’re proud to invite more travelers from the region to explore Abu Dhabi,” he remarked, emphasizing the new connections this would foster for commerce and tourism.
Cultural Exploration
Neves also highlighted the rich cultural offerings of both destinations. “Sumatra and Phnom Penh are extraordinary places with a mix of natural beauty and cultural wonders,” he added, encouraging travelers to experience these iconic locations.
Expanding Fleet with New Aircraft
The new routes will be serviced by Etihad’s cutting-edge Airbus A321LR aircraft, featuring a unique three-cabin configuration. This includes the airline’s first-ever narrowbody suites, which offer private, enclosed spaces with sliding doors, fully flat beds, and upscale design features typically found in long-haul widebody aircraft.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, Etihad recently announced plans for additional services to Damascus, Palma de Mallorca, and Zanzibar in Summer 2026. There are also upcoming flights planned to Krabi, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong.
Flight Scheduling
Flights from Abu Dhabi to Medan are set for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, while return flights will take place on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. For the Phnom Penh route, initial flights are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with return trips available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
As the airline broadens its influence in Southeast Asia, which destination are you most excited to visit?
