Here is why an ultra-luxury airline is coming to North Carolina
The new route to Charlotte will launch in May 2026 and run four times a week.
When it comes to luxury in the skies, the space has for decades been dominated by Middle Eastern airlines.
Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways consistently land in the top Skytrax rankings for both their business and first classes, while the carriers constantly announce new tweaks and additions meant to "out-luxe" competitors: Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial and Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 in the beverage line-up, amenity kits from designer fashion, and menu options offering everything from wagyu beef and caviar to local dishes theatrically finalized in front of the traveler.
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'A strategic addition to our U.S. network': Etihad CEO
While U.S.-based travelers have fewer opportunities to fly with such airlines than residents of nearby countries, Etihad Airways currently flies to four destinations in the U.S.: New York, Chicago, Washington, and Boston. Along with Emirates, Etihad is one of the two flagship carriers of the United Arab Emirates; it runs flights to Abu Dhabi, while Emirates is the carrier for Dubai.
A new Etihad route between Abu Dhabi and Atlanta is set to launch on July 2, while on May 16, Etihad revealed that it will also launch a new flight to North Carolina in May 2026.
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"Charlotte represents a strategic addition to our U.S. network, unlocking direct access to one of the country’s most dynamic and fast-growing regions," Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said of the new route. "We’re excited to be the first airline from our region to serve this market, and we look forward to connecting more travelers to Abu Dhabi and beyond."
The new flight will run four times a week on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (BA) and offer Etihad's economy and business fares (the airline's first class is only available on planes running to the larger cities.) Etihad has already opened it up for early bookings; the May 4 and May 6 dates in 2026 are currently coming up for $2,143 USD on the website. Image source: Shutterstock
Charlotte as a transit hub for Middle Eastern travelers? Etihad bets on it
As part of its decision to come to North Carolina, Etihad named Charlotte as a "thriving centre for finance, technology, motorsport and culture," while Douglas International Airport (CLT) is a hub that can connect it to other cities in the U.S. through its network partners.
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As Abu Dhabi's Zayed International (AUH) is one of few international airports stationed with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents for preclearance screening, travelers to Charlotte will be able to arrive to the U.S. having already crossed the border.
Outside the program's widespread availability in Canadian airports, Ireland, Aruba, Bermuda, and the Bahamas are the only other international destinations where preclearance is available. In the UAE, Dubai International Airport (DXB) currently does not have preclearance — U.S.-bound travelers departing from there are required to pass the border at their arrival, as with most international flights.
The Abu Dhabi facility opened in 2014 as part of CBP efforts to streamline the large flow of travelers to the U.S. As the capital, Abu Dhabi was also selected due to the embassy and military base in the city.
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