The move is aimed at meeting the growing demand from both leisure and business travelers and enhancing connectivity to one of South India's thriving cities.

Effective from October 29, the additional daily service will raise the number of flights between Abu Dhabi and Kochi to 20 per week.

Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the decision, stating, "In response to strong travel demand, Etihad is thrilled to offer an additional service to Kochi that will bring our operation up to nearly three flights a day."

"This is a testament to the importance of the India market for Etihad Airways and the focus we are putting on growing our network to provide more convenience and choice to our guests."

Apart from facilitating access to the UAE, these flights will significantly improve connectivity between India and the United States via Abu Dhabi.

Passengers will have the advantage of utilizing the US Preclearance facility, an exclusive feature in the Middle East, which enables travelers bound for the United States to complete immigration, customs, and agriculture inspections in Abu Dhabi before boarding their flight.

Thus, this streamlined process allows passengers to bypass immigration queues upon arrival in the States.

In addition to expanding its flights to Kochi, Etihad Airways' winter flight schedule will include service to seven other destinations in India, namely Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

This strategic decision reinforces the airline's commitment to further develop its network, offering enhanced convenience and options for its valued guests.

With these developments, Etihad Airways aims to strengthen its position in the market, provide better connectivity, and meet the evolving travel needs of passengers flying between Abu Dhabi, Kochi, and other prominent cities in India.