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Etihad Airways Increases Daily Flights Between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi, Signaling New Boom in Regional Travel and Tourism Expansion


Published on
January 2, 2026

Etihad Airways has further strengthened its flights from Tel Aviv (TLV) to Abu Dhabi (AUH), as it offers six flights per day. It is considered a major milestone in Etihad’s services to Israel. The airline already offers 42 flights per week. The new services will come into effect from 15th June.

The increased number of flights between the two cities is also projected to be a key driving factor in the promotion of tourism and economic interaction between the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions. The expansion of Etihad’s network in the international arena has opened the way for further development in the field of tourism in the region as well.

Increasing Demand for Tourism and Travel between Israel and the UAE

The new sixth daily flight adds flexibility to travelers seeking access to Abu Dhabi from Tel Aviv, supporting both business travelers and tourists. In the past year, over 300,000 passengers traveled between the two cities, and this expansion reflects growing interest in direct connections between Israel and the UAE, fueled by economic exchanges, leisure tourism, and the strong cultural ties between the two regions.

This route also serves as a gateway for travelers looking to connect to other popular destinations in Asia, such as Thailand, Tokyo, South Korea, and the Philippines, offering greater opportunities for tourism growth. The strong load factors of around 90% on this route further reinforce the rising demand for direct flights and connecting travel through Abu Dhabi, contributing to regional tourism development.

Enhancing Regional Connectivity and Future Growth for Tourism

The introduction of six daily flights between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi serves as a testament to the growing importance of regional connectivity in the Middle East. The higher frequency allows for shorter transfer times, enabling travelers to access destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Pacific, boosting tourism in both Israel and the UAE. As the demand for regional travel continues to rise, Etihad Airways’ expansion will enhance the tourism ecosystem, not only within Israel and the UAE but across the broader Middle East region.

Future growth for tourism in the UAE is likely to be fueled by increased international arrivals, with Abu Dhabi emerging as a key hub for travelers connecting to the Asia-Pacific region. The expanded flight schedule will also help promote long-term tourism growth, facilitating a more seamless travel experience between key tourism markets and increasing the visitor capacity of both countries.

Competitive Long-Haul Fares and Expanding Market Reach

As Etihad Airways increases its presence in Tel Aviv, the airline has also been offering competitive long-haul fares, including affordable one-stop connections to destinations like Bangkok from Israel. With fares starting around 960 USD for Bangkok itineraries, Etihad Airways is positioning itself as a key player in affordable travel between Israel and the Asia-Pacific region. This cost-effective option is expected to further boost tourism growth in both Israel and the UAE, making it easier for international visitors to travel between these key global markets.

With an expanding network of routes and increased flight frequencies, Etihad Airways will likely attract more high-value tourists, facilitating increased tourism spending and enhanced international connections. The airline’s focus on affordability and convenience makes it an attractive option for travelers seeking to explore new destinations in Asia and Europe.

Impact of Etihad Airways Expansion on Israel and UAE Tourism Sectors

The expanded service is expected to have a lasting impact on both Israel and the UAE’s tourism sectors. As tourism demand grows, particularly for luxury and wellness tourism, Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv are well-positioned to benefit from increased tourism flows. The enhanced connectivity allows for easier travel options between the two countries, which will likely support the development of cross-border tourism products and joint marketing initiatives to further promote regional tourism.

As tourism continues to expand across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, the need for reliable, frequent flights between Israel and the UAE will continue to rise. The increase in flight frequency between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi will enable tourism growth in both countries, positioning them as key destinations for business tourism, leisure travel, and transit passengers.

A Bright Future for Regional and Global Tourism Growth

The rise in flights between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi is a clear indication of Etihad Airways’ efforts to develop connectivity between the countries and boost tourism in Israel and the UAE. The fact that Etihad has opted to use these flights to operate in this market shows it has laid a foundation and is poised to help develop tourism in the region.

Etihad Airways’ augmented presence in the region’s tourism industry will be a crucial contributor in linking the vital tourism hubs, thereby fueling the flow of international tourists, thus promoting economic diversification in the tourism sectors of both Israel and the UAE. The future of the tourism industry in the Middle East looks promising with increased connectivity, new avenues of tourism, and increased cooperation, thereby making the region a leading force in the international tourism industry.

Image Source: Etihad Airways