UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways added two new India routes to its 2024 schedule, which included daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Kozhikode (CCJ) and Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) in the Kerala region of India.

The new direct services bring Etihad’s India connections to India to 10, demonstrating the airline's commitment to expanding its global network for customers travelling to and from India.

The daily flights commenced on New Year's Day and have so far reached a schedule lasting till October 2024.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, emphasised how the new routes will provide easier access to the growing network.

Neves said: “We have established a fantastic group of non-stop routes between India and Abu Dhabi, providing customers with easier access to our growing network without transiting through one of the main Indian hub airports.

"Seamless and practical connections at Abu Dhabi ensure that our guests can easily access destinations across the GCC, Europe - including our four daily services to London - and North America. Moreover, they have the opportunity to enjoy a fantastic stopover in Abu Dhabi as an integral part of their journey.”

According to Etihad, the new connections are set to boost inbound tourism across the region while streamlining travel for business professionals travelling to hubs.

Nicholas Wyatt, Head of Research & Analysis, Travel & Tourism at Global Data added how the new connections will affect the tourism sector across India.

Wyatt said: “India is the number one source market for the UAE so there is clear demand for inbound flights to Abu Dhabi."