Amid Iran war, Etihad decides status of first Charlotte flight to the Middle East
Despite the three-week-old war in Iran, Etihad Airways is moving forward with plans to launch its nonstop flight from Charlotte to the Middle East this Friday.
The airline confirmed to The Charlotte Observer on Wednesday it is holding to its previous schedule for the Charlotte to Abu Dhabi route Friday, March 20.
Last May and to much fanfare, Etihad announced plans linking Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It’s the first nonstop flight from North Carolina to the Middle East.
Those plans were looking unclear after the U.S. and Israel began a war in Iran in late February, Etihad suspended flights for several days before moving to operate on a limited commercial schedule, as have other Middle Eastern airlines.
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But the war in Iran is apparently impacting ticket sales for Etihad’s inaugural flight from CLT.
The Charlotte Observer reviewed how many seats were still available for purchase on Etihad’s website on Wednesday morning, two days ahead of the flight. Approximately 63% of the more than 380 total seats in economy and business class on the plane remained available. For the 56 seats in the higher-revenue business class, 47 seats, or 84%, were still available.
Travel updates are available at Etihad.com. At the top of its website, the airline said it is expanding its flight schedule and is “currently operating a limited commercial flight schedule between Abu Dhabi and a number of key destinations.”
The Charlotte route was not listed because it hasn’t started yet, according to a spokesperson. Once service launches, it will be included in the overall updated list.
Flights are available for purchase. Roundtrip economy tickets are priced around $900. Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Etihad plans for new Charlotte route to the Middle East
During last year’s announcement, the airline also touted attractions tourists could see and experience in the United Arab Emirates.
Highlights included the WB Hotel Abu Dhabi, the world’s only Warner Bros.–themed hotel; Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, home to the world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching 149 mph; and Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, a sprawling water park packed with slides and other attractions.
Charlotte is part of the airline’s long-term network strategy, serving as a key market for business and leisure demand to and from Abu Dhabi and beyond, CEO Antonoaldo Neves said in an interview with The Charlotte Observer.
Etihad plans to bring its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner to Charlotte Douglas, the first time the airport will see scheduled service from that type of plane. Etihad also will base the advanced long-haul jet at CLT.
The aircraft is designed with passenger comfort in mind —larger windows, a quieter cabin and about 25% better fuel efficiency than older models.
On the 13- to 15-hour journey to the UAE, travelers will have full Wi-Fi and live TV streaming, business-class dining on demand, fully lie-flat beds and private suites, and customized meals that can be pre-ordered.
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More on Etihad Airways
Founded in 2003, the UAE’s national airline now flies a global network that stretches across Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.
In the U.S., its destinations include New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston and Atlanta. The carrier has grown rapidly, carrying 22.4 million passengers last year, up 21% from 2024.
Etihad closed the year with 127 aircraft in its fleet after adding 29 jets in 2025 —its largest one-year expansion.
This story was originally published March 18, 2026 at 10:47 AM.
