Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to broaden their interline agreement, offering travelers more itinerary options when visiting the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This unique arrangement between the two UAE carriers aims to capitalize on opportunities to increase tourism from key markets, allowing visitors to explore multiple destinations within a single trip.
Starting this summer, passengers on both airlines can purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi and return seamlessly via the other airport. The expanded agreement offers the convenience of one-stop ticketing for their entire journey, as well as simplified baggage check-in for travelers exploring the UAE.
Initially, each airline will focus on attracting visitors to the UAE by developing inbound interline traffic from selected points in Europe and China. The «open jaw» arrangement enables visitors to cover more ground when exploring Abu Dhabi, Dubai, or any other emirate, saving time by eliminating the need to return through their arrival airport. Travelers also have the option of «multi-city flights,» choosing to travel from one city on both carriers’ networks and conveniently returning to another point served by either Emirates or Etihad.
The MoU was signed during the Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, and Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Airways. Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, and Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad CEO, were also present, along with other senior representatives.
Sir Tim Clark said, «We are pleased to be working again with Etihad Airways – this time to allow each carrier to offer a new range of seamless travel options in and out of the UAE. Emirates and Etihad are leveraging our strengths to expand our respective customer offerings and boost UAE tourism. We believe this new agreement provides a strong foundation to develop further opportunities between both airlines and is an example of our commitment to the UAE’s vision for continued economic diversification.»
Antonoaldo Neves added, «We’re delighted to partner with Emirates in our shared mission to support inbound tourism to the UAE and facilitate travel to our vibrant cities. With two world-class airlines supporting UAE tourism, our interline agreement will make it more convenient for our guests to experience the best of Abu Dhabi and Dubai on one single ticket while promising to deliver an exceptional flying experience whether they fly with Etihad Airways or Emirates. It’s a win-win proposition for travelers to the UAE.»
Tourism is a crucial pillar of the UAE economy and is projected to contribute 5.4% of the nation’s total GDP (AED 116.1 billion or USD 31.6 billion) and support over 1 million jobs by 2027.
This collaboration marks the second time the airlines have joined forces. In 2018, Emirates Group Security and Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) signed an MoU to enhance aviation security, including sharing information and intelligence in operational areas both within and outside the UAE. Last year, Emirates signed an MoU with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to increase tourist numbers to the UAE capital from key source markets across the airline’s global network.
