LHRAUH
London HeathrowAbu Dhabi
From £299 one-way
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About Etihad Airways
What Is Etihad Airways? The National Airline of the UAE
Founded in 2003 and based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad connects the UK with Asia, Australia, Africa and North America through its modern Zayed International Airport hub
Etihad Airways (IATA code EY) is the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, headquartered in Abu Dhabi. Known for a refined cabin experience, from spacious Economy Space seats to Business Studio and the Airbus A380 First Apartments, Etihad has become a top choice for UK travellers heading to the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Australia and the USA.
From the UK, Etihad operates direct flights from London Heathrow and Manchester to Abu Dhabi, with onward connections to Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Africa and the USA. Its Abu Dhabi hub also offers US preclearance, so you clear American immigration before you fly.
2003
Year Etihad was founded
AUH
Hub: Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi
EY
IATA airline code
A380
Flagship aircraft on London route
US Pre-clearance
Clear US immigration in Abu Dhabi
UK Departure Airports
Etihad Airways Flights from UK Airports to Abu Dhabi
Direct Etihad flights from London and Manchester, plus easy connections from every other UK city
MANAUH
ManchesterAbu Dhabi
From £319 one-way
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BHXAUH
Birmingham, Edinburgh, GlasgowAbu
Dhabi
From £339 one-way
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Fares are indicative, vary by date and availability, and schedules change seasonally. Call 020 7550 8212 for live Etihad availability from your nearest UK airport.
Worldwide via Abu Dhabi
Etihad Flights from the UK to Pakistan, India, USA & More
One stop in Abu Dhabi unlocks Etihad’s global network — these are the routes UK travellers book most
| Region | Popular Etihad Routes | Approx. Journey Time | Fares From (return) | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | London to Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Manchester to Islamabad, Lahore | 10–14h | £519 | Flights to Pakistan |
| India | London to Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi | 10–13h | £529 | Flights to India |
| USA | London to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Boston | 15–20h | £599 | Flights to USA |
| Australia | London to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth | 20–26h | £989 | Flights to Australia |
| Southeast Asia | London to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Colombo | 13–18h | £579 | All International Flights |
| Saudi Arabia | London to Jeddah, Riyadh, Medina — popular for Umrah | 10–12h | £449 | Flights to Saudi |
| UAE | London and Manchester to Abu Dhabi, plus road or short flight to Dubai | 7–8h | £389 | Flights to Abu Dhabi |
| Africa & Egypt | London to Cairo, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Casablanca | 11–16h | £559 | All International Flights |
| Canada | London to Toronto via Abu Dhabi | 16–20h | £629 | Flights to Canada |
Journey times include a typical Abu Dhabi layover. Fares are indicative and change with season, demand and baggage inclusions.
Most Searched Etihad Routes
Etihad’s Top 3 UK Routes in Detail
London, Manchester and Pakistan-bound travellers book these Etihad routes more than any others
LHR
London
AUH
Abu Dhabi
London to Abu Dhabi Etihad Flights
Etihad’s flagship UK route from Heathrow, with several daily departures and widebody aircraft including the Airbus A380 on selected flights. The perfect gateway for Asia, Australia and the Indian subcontinent.
Book London–Abu DhabiMAN
Manchester
AUH
Abu Dhabi
Manchester to Abu Dhabi Etihad Flights
A direct link from the North West to the Gulf and beyond. Manchester passengers avoid the trip to London and connect smoothly to Pakistan, India and the Far East on one ticket.
Book Manchester–Abu DhabiUK
Any UK city
ISB
Pakistan
UK to Pakistan via Abu Dhabi with Etihad
Etihad connects London and Manchester to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi via Abu Dhabi. A comfortable one-stop option with a short three-hour final sector, popular for family visits, weddings and Eid travel.
Book UK–Pakistan
Abu Dhabi Hub & USA
Zayed International Airport, Terminal A & US Preclearance
What to expect at Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub, and how preclearance speeds up your trip to America
Zayed International Airport (AUH) — Terminal A
Etihad operates from Terminal A, a modern, spacious
terminal with fast transfers, duty-free shopping and Etihad lounges. Allow at least 90
minutes for connections. Abu Dhabi is about 45 minutes’ drive from the city centre.
US Preclearance for Flights to USA
Fly Etihad to New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Washington or Boston and
clear US immigration and customs in Abu Dhabi. You land in America as a
domestic passenger, with no immigration queue on arrival. See our flights to USA
from UK page.
Cabins & Baggage
Etihad Economy, Business Class & Baggage Allowance
What’s included in each Etihad cabin, and how much luggage you can take from the UK
Economy & Economy Space
Complimentary meals and drinks, seatback entertainment and USB power.
Choose Economy Space or Economy Comfort for extra legroom and flexible fares with more
baggage.
Business Studio
Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access on long-haul, restaurant-style
dining, priority services, extra baggage and Abu Dhabi lounge access.
First Apartments & The Residence
On selected Airbus A380 flights, Etihad offers private First
Apartments and The Residence, a three-room suite with a living room and en-suite shower.
| Route Type | Economy Checked Baggage | Business / First Class | Cabin Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK – Abu Dhabi | 23 kg (higher fares: 30 kg) | 2 x 32 kg | 7 kg (Business: 12 kg) |
| UK – Pakistan / India | 23–30 kg | 2 x 32 kg | 7 kg (Business: 12 kg) |
| UK – USA / Canada | 1–2 x 23 kg | 2 x 32 kg | 7 kg (Business: 12 kg) |
| UK – Australia / Asia | 23–30 kg | 2 x 32 kg | 7 kg (Business: 12 kg) |
Baggage rules depend on your exact fare and route and are updated by Etihad from time to time. We confirm your allowance in writing before you pay.
Perks & Rewards
Abu Dhabi Stopover & Etihad Guest
Turn a layover into a holiday and earn rewards on every Etihad flight
Abu Dhabi Stopover
Etihad offers stopover packages that pair discounted
hotels with experiences such as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
A great way to break up a long trip to Asia or Australia. Offers vary — ask us for
current deals.
Etihad Guest Loyalty Programme
Free to join. Earn miles and tier points on Etihad and partner
flights, then redeem for award seats, upgrades and extra baggage. Add your Etihad Guest
number when you book with TripNext and we’ll attach it to your ticket.
Fleet
Etihad Airways Fleet & Aircraft Types
A modern Airbus and Boeing fleet — here’s what you’ll fly on from the UK
Airbus A380
Double-deck flagship
Home of First Apartments, The Residence and Business Studio, used on
selected London Heathrow and other long-haul services.
Boeing 787
Dreamliner 9 & 10
Quiet, fuel-efficient widebodies with lie-flat Business seats, used
on London, Manchester and Asia routes.
Airbus A320 / A321 & A350
Regional and next-generation aircraft
Narrowbodies serve the Middle East and South Asia sectors, with A350s
on selected long-haul flights.
Before You Fly
Etihad Check-In, Manage Booking & Contact
A simple guide to online check-in, changing your ticket and getting help from the UK
Step 1
Find your booking reference
Your six-character reference is on your TripNext e-ticket email. You
need it together with your surname to manage your booking.
Step 2
Check in online from 24 hours before departure
Use the Etihad website or app to choose your seat and get your boarding
pass. Arrive at UK airports about 3 hours before international departures.
Step 3
Change dates, add baggage or cancel through TripNext
Because your ticket was issued by TripNext, our team handles date
changes, refunds and extra baggage. Call 020 7550 8212 or use WhatsApp.
Step 4
Check passport and visa rules
UK passport holders can normally transit or visit the UAE without
arranging a visa in advance, but rules for your final destination differ by nationality
— always verify before you fly.
Airline Comparison
Etihad vs Other Airlines from the UK to Asia & Middle East
How Etihad compares with Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, PIA and British Airways on popular long-haul routes
| Airline | Route Type | Baggage (Asia) | From (one-way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etihad Best for USA | Connecting (Abu Dhabi) | 23–30 kg | £299 | Comfort, A380, US preclearance |
| Emirates | Connecting (Dubai) | 30 kg | £299 | Premium comfort, Dubai stopover |
| Qatar Airways | Connecting (Doha) | 30 kg | £295 | Service quality |
| Turkish Airlines | Connecting (Istanbul) | 30 kg | £279 | Lowest fares, widest network |
| PIA | Direct to Pakistan | 40 kg | £289 | Direct flights, heavy luggage |
| British Airways | Direct | 23 kg | £329 | Reliability, Heathrow convenience |
Prices are indicative and vary by date and availability. Read our guide to the best airlines from the UK to the UAE or call 020 7550 8212 for live fares.
People Also Ask
Etihad Airways Flights — Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, accurate answers about Etihad routes, baggage, business class, check-in and stopovers
Etihad flies direct from London Heathrow and
Manchester to Abu Dhabi. Passengers from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and
other UK cities connect via London or Manchester, then continue from Abu Dhabi to
Pakistan, India, Asia, Australia, Africa and the USA.
The direct flight takes approximately 7 hours.
Manchester to Abu Dhabi takes around 7 hours 10 minutes. Return
flights take about 7 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours.
Yes, via Abu Dhabi. Etihad connects London and
Manchester to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Total journey time is
typically 10 to 14 hours. For a direct alternative, compare PIA flights.
It depends on fare and route. Economy typically includes
23kg, with higher fares offering more, and Business and First allow
2 x 32kg. Hand baggage is normally 7kg in economy and
12kg in Business. Confirm your fare rules before travel.
Yes. Etihad is the national airline of the UAE,
operating a modern Airbus and Boeing fleet with a strong international safety record and
regulation to global aviation standards.
Etihad Business offers lie-flat seats with direct aisle
access, restaurant-style dining, priority check-in and boarding, extra
baggage and Abu Dhabi lounge access. Selected A380 flights also feature First
Apartments and The Residence.
Abu Dhabi offers US Customs and Border Protection
preclearance. You clear US immigration and customs in Abu Dhabi and land
in America as a domestic passenger, saving time on arrival.
Etihad offers Abu Dhabi stopover packages with
discounted hotels and experiences for connecting passengers. Offers vary by season and
ticket type — ask TripNext to check current deals.
Etihad operates from Terminal A at Zayed International
Airport (AUH). Allow at least 90 minutes for connections.
Online check-in opens 24 hours before
departure on the Etihad website or app with your booking reference and
surname. For changes, refunds or extra baggage on tickets booked with TripNext, call
020 7550 8212 or WhatsApp us.
Etihad Guest is Etihad’s free loyalty
programme. Earn miles and tier points on Etihad and partner flights and redeem them for
award seats, upgrades and extra baggage.
Fares are usually lowest from January to
March and in October and November. Summer, Christmas, Eid
and Easter cost the most. Booking 8 to 12 weeks ahead usually gives the
best fares. See our best time to fly to the UAE
guide.
Etihad often prices slightly below Emirates and offers a modern
Abu Dhabi hub with US preclearance, while Qatar Airways is known for
consistent service. The best choice depends on price, schedule and cabin.
Call 020 7550 8212, WhatsApp
+44 7478 061159, or fill in the booking form above. We compare Etihad
fares against other airlines and confirm the best price for your dates.
Explore More
More UAE Flight Pages
Continue exploring flights to the UAE, other airlines and destinations you can reach via Abu Dhabi
✈
Flights to UAE from UK
✈
Flights to Abu Dhabi
✈ Flights
to Dubai
✈
Flights to Sharjah
✈ Best Airlines
UK to UAE
✈ Best Time to Fly to
UAE
✈ GITEX Dubai 2026
Guide
✈ Best Airlines to
Pakistan
✈ Best Airlines to
India
✈ Best Airlines to USA
✈ PIA Flights
✈ Turkish
Airlines Flights
✈ British
Airways Flights
✈ Flights to
Pakistan
✈ Flights to India
✈ Flights to USA
✈ Flights to
Australia
✈ Flights to
Saudi Arabia
✈ Umrah Packages from UK
✈ All International Flights
Ready to Book Your Etihad Flight?
Call, WhatsApp or fill in the form above — our UK-based specialists compare Etihad against every major airline to find you the best fare, whether it’s a trip to Abu Dhabi or a long-haul journey to Pakistan, India, Australia or the USA.