Etihad Airways has announced a number of schedule changes departing from Abu Dhabi to three North American cities to better accommodate passengers transiting from the Indian subcontinent.
The new times will enable passengers to more easily connect with such Etihad destinations as Colombo, Delhi, Karachi, Lahore and Mumbai.
Chicago, New York and Toronto are the cities that will be affected by the change, which goes into effect on on March 29.
“Demand for travel between the Indian subcontinent and North America continues to grow year-on-year and we’re delighted to change our schedule in order to support this requirement and to increase the travel options for our guests,” said Kevin Knight, chief strategy and planning officer.
The daily EY151 flight to Chicago will move from a 9.30am departure to 3.40am. The return flight, EY150, will arrive in Abu Dhabi at 12.20pm. The Toronto-bound flight EY141, departing three times a week, will leave at 2.50am instead of 10.25am. The return flight, EY140, will arrive at 12.05pm.
The New York flight, EY102, will depart JFK three hours later currently scheduled to ensure an arrival that will connect to afternoon Indian subcontinent flights.
“The new schedule will create a more even balance of Etihad Airways’ flights to North America across the early morning and mid-morning banks,” Mr Knight said. “This will result in fewer passengers transiting through the hub at peak periods and will enhance the customer experience.”
Passengers on the outbound Chicago flight will continue to be processed through United States Preclearance at Abu Dhabi Airport, following the recent expansion of the facility’s hours of operation to include early morning flights to the US.
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