Atlanta in the southeast coast is emerging as a destination of interest for several international airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and Saudi Airlines. While Emirates and Saudia are trying to get Atlanta on their global networks, Etihad made a surprise announcement about the launch of its service to Hartsfield -Jackson Atlanta Int. Airport. If things go as planned, Etihad flights to Atlanta will take off on 2 July 2025 and provide one-stop connection to India via Abu Dhabi.
Atlanta is Etihad Airways’ fifth direct destination in the US after New York, Chicago, Boston, and Washington DC. Currently, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines are the only Middle East carriers countering the dominance of European airlines in Atlanta. Effective 2 July 2025, the flag carrier of Abu Dhabi will be operating four weekly flights to Atlanta, Georgia; it means Etihad will connect Atlanta to India via its hub, Zayed International Airport, four times in a week.
Indians and non-Indian travelers from the Greater Atlanta area will get on Etihad Airways’ connecting flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Chennai, Jaipur, Kozhikode, and Thiruvananthapuram at Abu Dhabi, a great city of explore during a stopover or a long layover. Indian Eagle, the trusted air-ticketing partner of Indians in America, brings you this guide on Etihad Airways’ free stopover programs for Indians and US citizens.
After having commenced flights to Boston, Etihad eyed both Atlanta and Philadelphia but chose Atlanta following an in-depth study on potential revenues from this route. Notably, Atlanta is one of the top 10 US cities that home the fast-growing South Asian communities.
Airbus A350-1000 will be deployed for the upcoming Etihad flights to and from Atlanta, USA in summer 2025. Equipped with Rolls Royce Trent XWB engines, A350-1000 is bigger and more powerful than A350-900 that both Air India and Emirates are zeroing in on for some routes between India and USA. A350-1000 provides ample space in premium travel cabins and accommodates more seats than A350-900, thereby reducing the seat-mile cost by 15-25%. Apparently, Etihad flights to Atlanta may offer quality experience on board.
Etihad ranked fourth among the world’s 25 safest airlines in 2024, according to Airlineratings.com, the only airline safety rating website. It is a most passenger-friendly airline offering inflight nanny service, onboard medical care support, and US immigration pre-clearance facility. Inflight meals and entertainment options are customized for family travelers with children on Etihad flights from USA to India. Check out our exclusive article on the perks of flying Etihad.