Etihad's Daring Dash: More Flights to Tel Aviv, Defying Global Warnings of War-Torn Danger Zone.

UAE flagship carrier Etihad Airways announces a significant increase in flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV), elevating operations to six daily round-trips. The move comes as Israel faces heightened security risks from regional tensions, including conflicts with Iran-backed groups and Gaza hostilities, positioning it among nations with severe travel warnings from governments worldwide. Etihad's decision underscores the airline's aggressive network growth strategy under CEO Antonoaldo Neves, prioritizing high-demand routes even in volatile areas.

 

This expansion arrives at a pivotal moment for Etihad, which has launched dozens of new destinations in recent years, from Damascus in Syria to various Asian and European hubs. By doubling frequencies on the Israel route, Etihad aims to capture more leisure travelers, business commuters, and those using Abu Dhabi as a Middle East transit point. The additional flights utilize efficient narrow-body aircraft, offering more seats and flexibility for passengers connecting to Europe, India, and beyond.

 

Industry observers note the route's resilience post-Abraham Accords normalization between UAE and Israel. Despite rocket threats and airspace closures, passenger loads remain strong, driven by tech collaborations, diamond trade, and tourism recovery. Etihad's commitment reflects broader UAE aviation ambitions to position Abu Dhabi as a safe global hub amid neighbors' instability.

 

Key Developments at a Glance

Sources: Aviation A2Z, Travel and Tour World, Etihad Airways official announcements.