Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025

Post Published August 11, 2024

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Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - New Routes to Antalya and Jaipur Starting June 2025





Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025

Etihad Airways is expanding its global footprint with the introduction of new routes to Antalya, Turkey, and Jaipur, India, commencing in June 2025.

These additions are part of the airline's broader strategy to enhance connectivity and provide travelers with more options, further solidifying Abu Dhabi's position as a key international hub.

While details regarding flight frequencies and aircraft types have not yet been disclosed, the new routes are expected to cater to the rising demand for travel to these popular destinations.

The new Antalya route will make it more accessible for travelers from the Middle East and North Africa to explore the stunning Turkish Riviera, known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and vibrant cultural heritage.

Jaipur, the "Pink City" of India, is famous for its stunning palaces, forts, and vibrant markets, and the new direct flights from Abu Dhabi will make it easier for Middle Eastern travelers to discover this iconic destination.

Etihad's decision to launch these new routes in June 2025 aligns with the peak tourist season in both Antalya and Jaipur, suggesting the airline is strategically tapping into the high demand for travel to these popular summer destinations.

The Airbus A320 aircraft selected for these routes are known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, which could contribute to more cost-effective and enjoyable travel experiences for Etihad's customers.

Antalya's tourism industry has been growing steadily in recent years, with the city welcoming over 15 million visitors in 2023, making it an attractive addition to Etihad's network.

Jaipur is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the new direct flights from Abu Dhabi will make it easier for Middle Eastern travelers to explore the city's rich cultural and architectural wonders, such as the iconic Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal.

What else is in this post?

  1. Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - New Routes to Antalya and Jaipur Starting June 2025
  2. Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - Expansion to Malaga, Mykonos, Lisbon, Kolkata, and Boston
  3. Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - Indian Market Growth with Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram Services
  4. Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - Etihad Guest Program Relaunch in June 2024
  5. Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - Economy and Business Class Award Redemptions at Lower Rates
  6. Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - JetBlue Partnership and Air France-KLM Relationship Improvements

Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - Expansion to Malaga, Mykonos, Lisbon, Kolkata, and Boston





Etihad Airways is continuing its global expansion with the addition of five new destinations in 2025 - Malaga, Mykonos, Lisbon, Kolkata, and Boston.

This strategic move will significantly enhance the airline's network and provide travelers with more options for direct flights from Abu Dhabi, further solidifying the city's position as a key international hub.

Malaga, Spain, the new Etihad destination, is home to the world's largest collection of Pablo Picasso's artwork, with over 200 of his paintings, drawings, and sculptures housed in the Picasso Museum.

Lisbon, Portugal, the airline's newest European route, is built on seven hills, earning it the nickname the "City of Seven Hills," similar to Rome.

This unique geography offers breathtaking views from various vantage points across the city.

Boston, Massachusetts, the airline's new North American destination, is home to the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat, the USS Constitution, which was launched in 1797 and played a crucial role in the War of

Interestingly, the flight time from Abu Dhabi to Malaga is roughly the same as the flight time from Abu Dhabi to London, highlighting the strategic importance of expanding into the Spanish market.

The Mykonos airport, with its short runway and picturesque setting, is often considered one of the more challenging airports for pilots to navigate, requiring exceptional skills and training.


Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - Indian Market Growth with Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram Services





Etihad Airways is expanding its presence in the growing Indian aviation market by launching daily flights to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, two key cities in the Kerala region.

This move aims to cater to the increasing demand for international travel to and from these areas, complementing the airline's existing services and strengthening its position in the competitive Indian market.

Additionally, Etihad is enhancing its loyalty program as part of its efforts to attract more customers in India, reflecting the carrier's commitment to providing a better travel experience for passengers flying from Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram.

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is the birthplace of the game of cricket in India.

The first recorded cricket match in India was played in Kozhikode in

Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is home to the world's largest self-supporting bell, housed in the Padmanabhaswamy Temple.

The bell weighs an impressive 15 tons.

Kerala is the only state in India where the literacy rate for women exceeds that of men, with a female literacy rate of over 92%.

The Kozhikode airport, located just 8 kilometers from the city center, is one of the busiest regional airports in India, handling over 5 million passengers annually.

Thiruvananthapuram is the site of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center, the main facility of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), responsible for numerous successful space missions.

The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the first airport in India to have a solar power plant, generating up to 15 megawatts of electricity to power the airport's operations.

Kerala is home to the Ayurvedic medical system, which has been practiced in the region for over 5,000 years.

Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram are hubs for Ayurvedic tourism, attracting visitors from around the world.


Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - Etihad Guest Program Relaunch in June 2024





Etihad Airways is set to relaunch its Etihad Guest loyalty program in June 2024, introducing significant enhancements aimed at providing members with more personalized rewards and benefits.

Key changes include simplified tier progression, a new elite Diamond status tier, and the option for customized privileges to align with individual lifestyles.

Additionally, the program updates will feature reduced GuestSeat pricing and new personalized benefits for frequent flyers.

The new Etihad Guest program will introduce a Diamond status tier, making it the first airline in the Middle East to offer this elite level of membership.

Etihad will implement a completely revised mileage expiration policy, with members now able to maintain their miles indefinitely as long as they remain active in the program.

The airline is partnering with leading global brands to offer members the ability to earn miles through non-travel activities, such as dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Etihad Guest will feature a "Customized Privileges" option, allowing members to personalize their benefits based on their individual travel preferences and lifestyle.

Members will have access to reduced GuestSeat pricing, making award redemptions more affordable and accessible.

The new program will integrate seamlessly with Etihad's mobile app, enabling members to manage their accounts, track earnings, and redeem rewards with ease.

Etihad is introducing dynamic pricing for award flights, providing members with more flexibility in how they utilize their accrued miles.

The airline is enhancing its family pooling feature, allowing members to combine their miles with those of their immediate family members for even greater earning potential.

Etihad Guest will offer members the ability to convert their miles into gift cards or vouchers, expanding the redemption options beyond just flights and upgrades.


Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - Economy and Business Class Award Redemptions at Lower Rates





Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025

Etihad Airways is making its loyalty program more attractive to travelers with reduced redemption rates for Economy and Business Class awards.

Starting in February 2024, redemption rates have dropped by up to 30%, allowing passengers to book First Class flights from New York to Abu Dhabi for as little as 160,000 miles.

These changes reflect Etihad's strategy to capture a larger share of the market by improving the traveler experience and making its award program more accessible.

Etihad Airways is offering Economy Class award redemptions starting from as low as 5,000 miles, making it more accessible for travelers to utilize their miles for flights.

The airline has reduced its GuestSeat fares for economy, business, and first-class award tickets by up to 30%, significantly enhancing the value proposition for its loyalty program members.

A first-class ticket from New York to Abu Dhabi can now be booked for just 160,000 Etihad Guest miles, down from the previous rate of 220,000 miles.

Despite unchanged pricing on some routes from the US to Abu Dhabi, many popular routes will benefit from these lower redemption rates, providing greater flexibility for travelers.

Etihad's loyalty program, Etihad Guest, is set to undergo a major revamp in June 2024, introducing new award charts with lower redemption rates for Economy and Business Class travel.

The airline's strategy to offer lower award redemption rates is part of its renewed focus on enhancing value for frequent flyers, allowing them to maximize the benefits of the loyalty program.

Etihad's decision to introduce these changes is driven by the airline's aim to capture a greater market share by making its loyalty program more attractive and accessible to travelers.

The reduced award redemption rates are expected to particularly benefit travelers planning trips to Etihad's new destinations, such as Antalya and Jaipur, making these routes more appealing for award bookings.

Industry analysts have noted that the trend of loyalty program changes often leads to diminished value for members, but Etihad's approach appears to be bucking this trend with its focus on enhancing traveler benefits.

The lower redemption rates for Economy and Business Class awards could encourage more budget-conscious travelers to consider Etihad for their flights, potentially expanding the airline's customer base.


Etihad Airways Introduces New Routes and Enhanced Loyalty Program for 2025 - JetBlue Partnership and Air France-KLM Relationship Improvements





JetBlue and Etihad Airways have enhanced their longstanding codeshare collaboration with a new loyalty partnership, allowing members of their respective programs to earn and redeem points across both airlines.

Additionally, Air France-KLM Group has formed a frequent flyer partnership with Etihad Airways, aiming to merge benefits for their loyalty programs and expand travel options for customers.

These developments signify a strategic effort among these airlines to improve customer loyalty offerings and expand their networks.

The new JetBlue partnership with Etihad Airways allows members of both airlines' loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across their networks, providing more flexibility and options for frequent flyers.

The Air France-KLM Group has formed a frequent flyer partnership with Etihad Airways, aiming to merge benefits for their respective loyalty programs and enhance travel options for customers.

The JetBlue-Etihad and Air France-KLM-Etihad partnerships are part of a strategic effort to improve customer loyalty offerings and expand the airlines' networks, offering more connectivity and a more integrated travel experience.

Etihad Airways' new routes to Antalya and Jaipur in June 2025 will cater to the rising demand for travel to these popular destinations, making them more accessible for Middle Eastern and North African travelers.

Etihad's new destinations in 2025 include Malaga, Spain, home to the world's largest collection of Pablo Picasso's artwork, and Lisbon, Portugal, built on seven hills and known for its breathtaking views.

The Mykonos airport in Greece is considered one of the more challenging airports for pilots to navigate due to its short runway and picturesque setting.

Etihad's expansion in the Indian market with new services to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram reflects the growing demand for international travel in these regions and the airline's commitment to the Indian aviation market.

Kozhikode is the birthplace of the game of cricket in India, while Thiruvananthapuram is home to the world's largest self-supporting bell and the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center.

Etihad's relaunched loyalty program, Etihad Guest, will introduce a new elite Diamond status tier, and members will be able to maintain their miles indefinitely as long as they remain active in the program.

Etihad Guest will feature a "Customized Privileges" option, allowing members to personalize their benefits based on their individual travel preferences and lifestyle.

Etihad is reducing its award redemption rates for Economy and Business Class flights by up to 30%, making it more accessible for travelers to utilize their miles for flights, including first-class tickets.

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.