Etihad Airways to launch hub at Ben-Gurion as UAE's flag airline schedules 42 weekly flights

Etihad Airways, the UAE's national carrier, is significantly expanding its operations to Tel Aviv, announcing an increase to 42 weekly flights starting June 15. This move will establish the Tel Aviv-Abu Dhabi route as the most frequently traveled in Etihad's network, with six daily flights connecting Ben-Gurion Airport and Zayed International Airport.

The expansion comes amid a notable surge in Israeli demand for flights to Asia. Etihad reported that over 100,000 passengers traveled between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi in the first three months of the year, marking a 30% increase from the previous year. A significant portion, approximately 70%, utilized Abu Dhabi as a transit point for onward journeys to Asian destinations.

Etihad is also introducing competitive pricing for high-demand routes, with round-trip tickets to Bangkok starting at $974. This pricing strategy aims to position Etihad below the average market price of $1,200 for similar flights.

While Etihad is bolstering its presence, many other foreign airlines are exercising caution. Amid ongoing conflict risks, carriers like American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines have delayed or extended cancellations of flights to Tel Aviv. However, some European airlines, including Lufthansa Group and Wizz Air, have announced plans to resume services following eased recommendations from the European Aviation Safety Agency.