Etihad Increases Flights to Erbil

United Arab Emirates (UAE) carrier Etihad Airways has announced that it is to double capacity on the Abu Dhabi – Erbil route from September 1. The carrier launched the Iraqi link on a twice weekly basis in June 2010, but will now serve the market four times every week due to increasing passenger demand. According to the carrier loads are already exceeding the 80 per cent figure.

An estimated 10,000 O&D passengers travelled between Abu Dhabi and Erbil on the flight during its first year of operation, with a similar number connecting on to Etihad’s wider network. According to the data, with the exception of its home UAE market, the main traffic flows are to/from India (14.7 per cent), Australia (10.3 per cent) and Pakistan (6.4 per cent).

“We are committed to building and strengthening ties in our region. With these additional flights, Etihad will offer air travellers from around the world significantly improved connection opportunities through our Abu Dhabi hub as we continue to add breadth and depth through additional frequencies on key routes across our expanding global network,” said James Hogan, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. “We expect to see continuing strong demand on these routes, particularly from government and business travellers, as well as people from Iraq visiting family and friends around the world.”

Schedule:

EY557 AUH0830 – 1035EBL 320 26
EY557 AUH1255 – 1500EBL 320 34
EY558 EBL1135 – 1515AUH 320 26
EY558 EBL1600 – 1940AUH 320 34