Emirates and Etihad Airways Announce Expanded Interline Agreement to Boost UAE Tourism

Emirates and Etihad Airways, two Gulf airlines, intend to broaden their interline agreement to give the United Arab Emirates (UAE) more travel options.

It will be possible for travelers on either airline to buy a single ticket into Dubai or Abu Dhabi with a seamless return via the other airport.

This partnership intends to take advantage of the potential to increase tourism to the UAE from important source markets by allowing travelers to enjoy many locations on a single itinerary.

The convenience of one-stop ticketing for their entire vacation and easy baggage check-in would give travelers who intend to explore the UAE more freedom.

Each carrier would initially concentrate on luring tourists to the UAE by increasing incoming interline traffic from specific locations in China and Europe.

The “open jaw” configuration will enable travelers to see as much of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or any other emirate as possible while saving time by avoiding the need to fly home via their arrival airport.

The option of “multi-city flights” allows travelers traveling into the UAE to depart from one city on the networks of both airlines and return to a different location served by either Emirates or Etihad.

The two airlines have vowed to help the UAE government’s mission to encourage inbound travel and strengthen the region’s status as a popular travel destination throughout the world. This expanded interline relationship is a part of that promise.

According to Sir Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airlines: “We are pleased to be working again with Etihad Airways – this time to allow each carrier to offer a new range of seamless travel options in and out of the UAE. ”

“Emirates and Etihad are leveraging on our strengths to expand our respective customer offerings and boost UAE tourism. 

“We believe this new agreement provides a strong foundation to develop further opportunities between both airlines and is an example of our commitment to the UAE’s vision for continued economic diversification.”

Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad Airways, said:

“We’re delighted to partner with Emirates in our shared mission to support inbound tourism to the UAE and facilitate travel to our vibrant cities.”

“With two world-class airlines supporting UAE tourism, our interline agreement will make it more convenient for our guests to experience the best of Abu Dhabi and Dubai on one single ticket while promising to deliver an exceptional flying experience whether they fly with Etihad Airways or Emirates. It’s a win-win proposition for travelers to the UAE.”