Etihad launches Abu Dhabi-Hyderabad flight

Hyderabad, Nov 12 : Etihad Airways of the United Arab Emirates has launched services to Hyderabad, its seventh destination in India.

Etihad is the first airline to operate flights between Abu Dhabi and Hyderabad. Initially operating four flights a week, Etihad will increase it to daily flight from January next year, the airline said.

With the addition of Hyderabad, Etihad now flies to seven Indian destinations, including New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi.

Adrian Parkes, vice-president (sales) of Etihad Airways, told a news conference here Thursday that the airline operates 42 flights to India every week.

"We are extremely pleased to launch flights from Abu Dhabi to Hyderabad. Abu Dhabi and Hyderabad are both growing dynamic cities and the new service will enable further commercial ties to develop," he said.

"We are delighted to welcome Etihad to Hyderabad. This will provide a wider choice for travellers wishing to fly to the UAE from our airport," said Sripathy, chief executive of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd.

Etihad operates a two-class Airbus A320 on the new Hyderabad route, configured to carry 140 passengers with 20 in business class and 120 in economy class.