Etihad Airways has officially opened bookings for its latest direct route, connecting Abu Dhabi to Medan, Indonesia. This exciting addition to the airline’s growing network will commence on October 2, 2025, offering seamless travel to one of Indonesia’s most vibrant cities.
Medan, the capital of North Sumatra, is a bustling metropolis celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, diverse culinary delights, and historical landmarks. Recognizing its appeal, Etihad Airways will operate three weekly flights to the destination using the state-of-the-art Airbus A321LR aircraft.
Flight EY480 is scheduled to depart from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport at 8:45 PM, arriving in Medan at 6:45 AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The return flight, EY481, will take off from Kualanamu International Airport at 8:45 AM, reaching Abu Dhabi at 12:40 PM every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.
This expansion is part of Etihad’s broader strategy to enhance global connectivity. Medan is just one of 14 new destinations set to launch from July 2025, including Atlanta, Taipei, Phnom Penh, Krabi, Tunis, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Algiers.
“For several of these locations, Etihad will be the only airline offering a non-stop service from the UAE. For instance, if you’re traveling to Medan from the region, our flights from Abu Dhabi will be your sole direct option,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad.
The airline has also optimized its flight schedules to provide faster connections to European cities. “If you’re traveling from Hanoi to Paris, for example, Etihad offers the fastest connectivity in the region,” De added, highlighting the airline’s focus on efficient route planning.