Etihad Airways is expanding its India operations by adding more flights and increasing seat capacity on key routes between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and major Indian cities, including Chennai (MAA), Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM). India remains one of the fastest-growing markets for the carrier and is central to Etihad’s growth strategy, said James Hogan, president and CEO.
From November, Etihad plans to more than triple seating capacity on services to Mumbai and Delhi. Frequency on both routes will increase from one daily flight to two per day by December, matching rising demand for travel between India and Abu Dhabi.
Fleet adjustments will support the increased capacity. The Mumbai route will be upgraded to an Airbus A340-600, while the Delhi service will operate with an Airbus A330-200. To serve the busy Abu Dhabi–Chennai sector, Etihad will replace the 136-seat Airbus A320 with the larger 174-seat A321, accommodating more passengers without adding extra flights.
These changes reflect Etihad’s effort to align aircraft type and frequency with market needs, offering passengers more seats and options while optimizing route performance. The equipment upgrades bring a mix of increased capacity and range suitable for each city pairing, enabling the carrier to handle peak travel periods and provide more flexibility for customers.
By expanding services and deploying larger aircraft where demand warrants, Etihad aims to strengthen its presence in India, improve connectivity for business and leisure travelers, and support long-term growth across the region.
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James Hogan, President and CEO, Etihad Airways