ABU DHABI- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) flag carrier Etihad Airways (EY) introduces direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Sochi (AER), establishing a vital link to Russia’s premier Black Sea coastal destination.
The service marks a significant expansion into the Russian tourism market, offering year-round access to the Krasnodar Krai region’s diverse attractions.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalEtihad Sochi Flights
The new route operates from Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Sochi International Airport (AER) three times weekly, with departures scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
The strategic timing enables travelers to maximize their leisure experiences across both summer and winter seasons.
| EY858 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 09:00 | Sochi (AER) | 12:20 | Tue, Thu, Sun |
| EY859 | Sochi (AER) | 14:10 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 19:00 | Tue, Thu, Sun |
Note: All times are local
Photo: By Arne Müseler / www.arne-mueseler.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84108684Sochi emerges as a compelling destination, combining the allure of Black Sea beaches with the sporting legacy of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The Caucasus Mountains provide year-round recreational opportunities, from summer hiking to winter skiing, establishing the region as a versatile tourism hub.
The service utilizes Etihad’s A320 family aircraft, configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class positions. This aircraft selection aligns with market demand while maintaining the carrier’s service standards across both cabin classes.
The route launch strengthens Etihad’s network expansion strategy and enhances connectivity between the Middle East and Russia’s southern tourism region. Ticket sales have commenced, allowing travelers to secure flights for both immediate and future travel plans.
Photo: EtihadFourteen New Destinations
Etihad Airways advances its global expansion strategy by adding Sochi among fourteen new destinations to its network in 2025. The carrier strengthens its presence across multiple continents, introducing flights to major cities and emerging markets.
The network expansion includes prominent North American and Asian metropolitan centers, with new services launching in Atlanta, Hanoi, Hong Kong, and Taipei. The airline extends its European reach by establishing routes to Prague and Warsaw, while simultaneously developing its North African presence with new connections to Algiers, Tunis, and Al Alamein.
Southeast Asia receives significant attention in this expansion, with Etihad introducing direct flights to Thailand’s tourist destinations Chiang Mai and Krabi. The airline also adds the Indonesian city of Medan and Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh to its route network, complementing existing services to Phuket and Bangkok.
The Abu Dhabi Stopover program enhances these new routes by offering travelers the opportunity to transform layovers into extended stays. The program provides up to two complimentary nights at premium Abu Dhabi hotels, incentivizing passengers to explore the UAE capital.
The Sochi service, scheduled to commence on May 29, 2025, awaits final government regulatory approval.
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