15 Hours Nonstop: Charlotte Gets Its First Ultra Long-Haul Route

Etihad’s bet on Charlotte underscores a broader strategy: using Abu Dhabi’s growing hub status, and its unique U.S. Pre-Clearance advantage, to build traffic beyond traditional gateways.

North Carolina is getting its first ultra long-haul route. On Friday, Etihad Airways announced plans to connect its Abu Dhabi hub with Charlotte.

Four flights a week are due to begin on May 4, 2026. The service will be operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with business and economy class cabins. The widebody aircraft is built in North Charleston in neighboring South Carolina.

The UAE national carrier will be the first Middle Eastern airline to s