Travellers will soon have more options when it comes to flying in and out of the UAE.
Etihad Airways and Emirates have signed a memorandum of understanding at the Arabian Travel Market that will expand their interline agreement. This means that travellers who fly to the country will have the option to arrive in one emirate and leave from the other. There will be no extra airfare for the service.
For example, someone flying from London can choose to land in Dubai with Emirates and then fly out of Abu Dhabi with Etihad on the way back.
The idea behind the agreement stems from offering travellers the opportunity to see as much as possible when visiting the UAE, as well as to also save time by not having to fly back via their arrival airport. This also allows travellers more flexibility with timings when it comes to flying.
“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 on our strengths to expand our respective customer offerings and boost UAE tourism,” said Tim Clark, president of Emirates.
“We believe this 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, chief executive of Etihad Airways, 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 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 travellers to the UAE.”
The two airlines previously collaborated in 2018 when they signed an MoU to strengthen aviation security within and outside the Emirates.
Click through the gallery below to see more from this year's Arabian Travel Market
-
Visitors relax at the Air India stand at the Arabian Travel Market at Dubai World Trade Centre. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Performers entertain the crowds at the bustling conference. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
First lieutenant Mohamed Ebrahim Al Suwaidi displays Dubai Police's Audi RS e-tron GT sports car. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Dubai pavilion is a big draw. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Inside the Dubai pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Flydubai cabin crew member Federica shows off business class seats at the airline's stand. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A submarine in the seaworld section of the trade show. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Inside the seaworld submarine. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A basketballer publicises the NBA pre-season games between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves in Abu Dhabi in October. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Owls and birds of prey are a big attraction at the Abu Dhabi stand at the Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National -
About 34,000 visitors are expected to visit Dubai World Trade Centre during the four days of the conference. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Emirates airways stand at the Arabian Travel Market. Pawan Singh / The National -
Busy halls at the Arabian Travel Market, now in its 30th year. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors at the Etihad stand. Pawan Singh / The National -
Mascots walk the green carpet at the conference. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Iraqi Tourist Board's stand at the Arabian Travel Market at the World Trade Centre in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A visitor looks at an artwork at the Swiss Tourism stand at the conference, which is celebrating its 30th year. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A bald eagle at the Experience Abu Dhabi stand at the conference, which runs from May 1 to May 4. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Traditional Sri Lankan dress at the Arabian Travel Market. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Visit Qatar's stand. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The conference's theme for 2023 is Working Towards Net Zero. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Traditional Sri Lankan dress. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Model planes on display at the Saudia Airlines stand. Chris Whiteoak / The National
