Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has celebrated an historic milestone this week with the inauguration of its first flight to Al Qassim. This new route marks the first direct connection between Abu Dhabi and Al Qassim, a key cultural and commercial hub in the central region of Saudi Arabia.
Upon arrival at Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz International Airport, the captain and first officer proudly waved the UAE and KSA flags, symbolising the strengthening ties between the two nations. This new service is set to enhance connectivity for travellers and underscores Etihad’s commitment to the Saudi market, marking 20 years of operations between Abu Dhabi and the Kingdom.
Expanding Horizons: Al Qassim as a Key Destination
Al Qassim is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant economy. Located in the heart of Saudi Arabia, it offers a blend of traditional charm and modern development. The region is famous for its agricultural produce, particularly dates, and hosts several annual festivals that attract visitors from around the world. Al Qassim’s strategic location makes it an ideal destination for business and leisure travellers alike, providing easy access to other parts of the Kingdom.
The new route to Al Qassim will be operated using Airbus A320 family aircraft, offering guests a choice between Business and Economy cabins.
Enhancing the Middle East Network
By adding Al Qassim to its growing list of destinations Etihad is increasing its total number of Saudi gateways to four. This expansion aligns with the company’s mission to deliver extraordinary experiences and provide travellers with more opportunities to explore unique destinations.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed his excitement about the new route: “As we celebrate the newest addition to our growing global network, we also reaffirm our commitment to the Saudi market as we mark 20 years of connecting Abu Dhabi with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With the increasing demand for air travel to the promising business and tourism market in KSA, we are excited to launch flights to Al Qassim, a significant cultural and commercial centre.”
He added, “By establishing this air link, we aim to meet the increasing demand and provide our guests with convenient access to Abu Dhabi and seamless connectivity to our extensive global network, while delivering a remarkable flying experience.”
Reflecting on the new service, Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Launching the new service to Al Qassim this year is not just about introducing a new destination; it’s also a celebration of Etihad’s 20 years of connecting Abu Dhabi with the rich culture and economic opportunities of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
He continued, “This move is aligned with our mission to deliver extraordinary experiences and the opportunity to explore the unique allure of both Abu Dhabi and our new destinations, like Al Qassim. We’re proud to expand our services within the Kingdom and look forward to welcoming passengers to experience our renowned hospitality and service.”
Arik De also highlighted the exceptional experience awaiting passengers at Zayed International Airport – Terminal A, Etihad’s new home, which redefines the benchmarks for travel comfort and service excellence, ensuring a memorable journey from start to finish.
Flight Schedule: Connecting Abu Dhabi and Al Qassim
Etihad Airways will offer four non-stop flights per week between Abu Dhabi and Al Qassim, providing travellers with flexibility and convenience. The flight schedule is as follows, with all times local:
| Flight | Origin | Departure | Destination | Arrival | Aircraft | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EY 0627 | AUH | 08:00 | ELQ | 09:10 | A320 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat |
| EY 0628 | ELQ | 10:15 | AUH | 13:20 | A320 | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat |
