Etihad changes flight schedules to benefit Indian subcontinent

Dubai: Etihad Airways has announced changes in its flights' timings between Abu Dhabi and North America from March, owing to the increasing demand of travel from the Indian Subcontinent. The Abu Dhabi based airways has announced the changes in the flight schedules between its Abu Dhabi hub and Chicago, New York and Toronto, starting from March 29 this year.

"Demand for travel between the Indian Subcontinent and North America continues to grow year-on-year and we are delighted to change our schedule in order to support this requirement and to increase the travel options for our guests," said Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways' Chief Strategy and Planning Officer.

The move is expected to provide convenient options for UAE passengers travelling to North America, enhance overall connectivity for flights to and from the Indian Subcontinent (ISC) and establish new connections to key markets such as Dhaka, Kathmandu, and Kolkata.

The new timings will also connect key ISC destinations of Colombo, Delhi, Karachi, Lahore and Mumbai, officials said.

"This will result in fewer passengers transiting through the hub at peak periods and will enhance the customer experience," Knight said.

Passengers on the re timed outbound Chicago flight will continue to be processed through United States Preclearance at Abu Dhabi Airport, following the recent expansion of the facility's hours of operation to include early morning flights to the US.

US Preclearance allows passengers to conveniently pass through all required checks including US customs, immigration and security while in Abu Dhabi before they board their flight.

The schedule changes for Chicago and Toronto have been made in conjunction with Etihad Airways' key partners, including American Airlines and Air Canada in North America, and Jet Airways in India. The partner airlines will implement new code share flights as well as re-accommodate guests who are affected by the new schedule.