Etihad Airways has permanently cut its service to Los Angeles, leaving the Abu Dhabi-based airline with only three U.S. destinations: New York JFK, Washington Dulles, and Chicago O’Hare.
Etihad had suspended its regular flight to Los Angeles back in 2020 after the global outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. However, flight EY171/170 was operated twice in April, twice in July last year, and once in January.
In an interview, last August, Etihad’s vice president for the Americas, Vincent Frascogna, said that the demand didn’t warrant putting LAX back on a regular schedule. Flights to New York, Washington, and Chicago were resumed by then.
Etihad Airways first launched its service between Abu Dhabi and LAX back in 2014. This was Etihad’s longest flight to North America. Etihad even opens a lounge at the airport.
Etihad had already cut its service to Dallas-Fort Worth and San Francisco pre-pandemic, citing the unprofitable routes. Its Boeing 777 fleet operated these flights.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline is also retiring its Boeing 777 fleet by the end of this year, in a move to return to profitability by the next few years.
As of now, Etihad intends to operate regular flights to only three U.S. destinations in addition to Toronto as its only destination in Canada.
Summer routes to Mykonos, Santorini and Malaga
Etihad would begin seasonal flights into Mykonos and Santorini, two of Greece’s most renowned islands and the famous southern Spanish city of Malaga in Andalusia.
Mykonos would be available from July 8 to September 11, 2021, while Santorini will be operational from July 9 to September 12, 2021. A twice-weekly nonstop flight through an Airbus A320 would serve all locations.
Completely vaccinated persons now have additional options to travel without being quarantined, according to establishing a secure transport route between the UAE and Greece. Travelers may experience Mediterranean cuisines in Mykonos or marvel at Santorini’s distinctive architecture. Etihad’s additional flights towards the Greek islands, which take little over four hours departing Abu Dhabi, augment the airline’s current service to Athens.
As Spain sets to resume foreign vaccinated travelers on June 7, 2021, Etihad will begin twice-weekly flights to Malaga from July 9 to September 15, 2021. A Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner would fly to Malaga, with Economic Space and Neighbour-free seating alternatives.
Etihad is currently operating three locations between the two countries – Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga – the new service will provide more ease and flexibility for leisure travelers between the UAE and Spain.
