Etihad Airways has opened bookings for its new direct route to Medan, Indonesia, with flights set to commence on October 2, 2025, the airline announced in a statement.
The UAE’s national carrier will operate three weekly flights between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, offering travelers seamless access to the capital of North Sumatra, known for its rich culture, culinary diversity, and historical landmarks.
Flight Schedule and Fleet Details
Etihad will deploy its new Airbus A321LR aircraft on the route, with flights scheduled as follows:
- Flight EY480: Departs Abu Dhabi at 8:45 PM and arrives in Medan at 6:45 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
- Flight EY481: Departs Medan at 8:45 AM and lands in Abu Dhabi at 12:40 PM on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Part of a Major Expansion Strategy
The Medan route is one of 14 new destinations announced by Etihad for 2025, as the airline continues to expand its global reach. Other upcoming routes set to launch from July 2025 include Atlanta, Taipei, Phnom Penh, Krabi, Tunis, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Algiers, among others.
“For a lot of these cities, ours will be the only non-stop flight from the UAE. If you want to travel to Medan, there will be no other flights outside of Abu Dhabi,” said Arik De Chief, Etihad’s Revenue and Commercial Officer.
The airline has optimized many of these new routes to provide faster connections between Asia and Europe. “For example, if you want to travel from Hanoi to Paris, Etihad offers the fastest connectivity compared to other airlines in the region,” De Chief added.
Record Growth Expected in 2025
Etihad Airways anticipates 2025 to be its biggest year yet, expecting to more than double its 2023 passenger count of 10 million, expanding to over 90 destinations, compared to 64 in 2022.
“We currently operate 95 aircraft and serve 18 to 19 million passengers, but by next year, we will increase our fleet to 115 aircraft,” said Etihad CEO Antonaldo Neves.
Additionally, reports suggest that Etihad is preparing for a $1 billion initial public offering (IPO), according to Reuters, citing sources familiar with the matter.
With its continued expansion, Etihad is solidifying its position as a key global carrier, enhancing connectivity between the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and beyond.
