Etihad Airlines is taking significant steps to establish a presence in Atlanta as it aims to create a long-term footprint in the Southeastern U.S. market.
The airline revealed plans to build an Atlanta team that will encompass sales, operations, and cargo roles, indicating a commitment to the region’s growth.
“We are looking to be sustainable in the market for the long term, and that means we want to invest in Atlanta,” said an Etihad spokeswoman.
In addition to Atlanta, Etihad has recently announced the addition of Charlotte to its U.S. network map, set to launch in May 2026.
According to Etihad representatives, Atlanta’s demographics and business diversity were significant factors in their decision to expand into the area.
The city boasts a variety of industries, including fintech, film, and technology, along with a robust manufacturing sector.
This diversity has made Atlanta an attractive market for the airline as it aligns well with their strategic interests.
The airline has closely analyzed how the region’s demographics intersect with its existing route network.
The population in Atlanta, particularly those from the Asia-Pacific region and India, closely corresponds with the airline’s flight patterns.
Mathews noted, “We serve 11 cities in the Indian subcontinent. We know there’s a huge population (in Atlanta).”
Data from the Atlanta Regional Commission shows that Metro Atlanta’s Asian community has seen considerable growth over the past two decades, with Indian Americans being the largest group, making up over a third of the population.
Interestingly, Delta Air Lines, which is based in Atlanta, has faced challenges in providing direct services to India due to restrictions on flying over Russian airspace.
While Delta currently offers connecting services to a limited number of Indian cities through its European partners, the airline announced its plans to resume direct flights to India with a new route between Atlanta and Delhi, although a timeline has yet to be established.
Delta’s Chief External Affairs Officer, Peter Carter, emphasized that the airline’s ability to serve India is contingent upon the reopening of Russian airspace, a situation that remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Ricky Smith, the new general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is prioritizing the recruitment of new international routes.
Smith is creating a new role focused on air service development and marketing to enhance the airport’s capability to attract new international destinations.
He reported to the Atlanta City Council that the current air service development team is not adequately equipped to handle the airport’s expansion goals, indicating a need for additional consulting support.
“We want to make sure that we’re putting our best foot forward in terms of going all over the country and all over the world, and closing the gap on those unserved and underserved markets,” Smith stated.
Etihad Airlines, owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ, has previously been involved in disputes with U.S. airlines regarding unfair competition practices.
In 2018, Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian claimed that the market had been adversely affected by subsidies granted to Middle Eastern and Indian airlines like Etihad.
In response to these concerns, the U.S. government successfully negotiated terms with both Qatari and Emirati authorities.
Looking ahead, Etihad Airlines is reportedly planning a $1 billion IPO following a successful year, during which it tripled its net profit after undergoing restructuring and management changes.
image source from：https://www.ajc.com/business/2025/06/etihad-set-to-launch-atlantas-first-nonstop-abu-dhabi-flight-next-month/
