Etihad Airways is bolstering its connectivity between the Middle East and Russia by introducing a third daily flight to Moscow and a new route to Sochi, a premier resort destination on the Black Sea coast. These additions will provide passengers with more travel options and enhance Etihad’s growing network.
Third Daily Flight to Moscow
Starting on October 1, Etihad will operate a third daily flight from Abu Dhabi to Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO), increasing the total number of weekly flights to 21. This new service will be operated by an Airbus A320, offering 8 Business and 150 Economy class seats. The expanded Moscow service will cater to a surge in demand from both Russian travelers and visitors from the Middle East, connecting them to destinations across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Sochi Service Launching in 2025
In addition to the new Moscow flight, Etihad will also launch a service to Sochi, starting May 29, 2025. Known as Russia’s premier resort city along the Black Sea coast, Sochi is a popular destination for leisure travelers, offering beautiful beaches, mountains, and year-round activities. This new route further enhances Etihad’s presence in Russia, tapping into the growing demand for travel to this popular resort area.
Boosting Connectivity for Russian Travelers
The Middle East has become an increasingly popular destination for Russian nationals, with many seeking business, work opportunities, and a proximity to their home country. In response to this trend, Etihad Airways is expanding its services to meet the rising demand. The airline’s broader network growth reflects a regional shift, with Middle Eastern carriers enhancing their global reach and improving travel options for passengers between Russia and key destinations worldwide.
Middle Eastern Airlines Expanding in 2025
Etihad’s decision to increase Moscow services is part of a broader trend where Middle Eastern airlines are ramping up their global networks. Qatar Airways, for example, has significantly increased its frequencies to destinations such as Amsterdam, London Heathrow, Madrid, and Tokyo Narita, ahead of the busy summer season. Additionally, Royal Jordanian has resumed direct flights between Amman and Damascus, initially with four weekly services, with plans to operate daily flights by April 2025.
