Etihad Airways has announced a major strategic shift for 2025, beginning with the conclusion of its codeshare and frequent flyer partnership with Virgin Australia on June 1, 2025.
This decision marks a divergence in strategic direction for both airlines and signals a new chapter for Etihad in the Australian market. While passengers with existing Virgin Australia bookings through Etihad will experience no changes to their itineraries, the partnership’s end will mean no Guest Miles can be earned on Virgin-operated flights after the termination date.
Etihad remains firmly committed to the Australian market, having served the region since 2007. In Summer 2025, the airline plans to increase flights to both Sydney and Melbourne, offering Australian passengers an enhanced flying experience and expanded connections to its growing global network.
Meanwhile, Etihad is gearing up for an unprecedented expansion with the announcement of 10 new destinations set to be unveiled on November 25, 2024. This move will grow the airline’s total destinations from 83 to 93, reinforcing its position as one of the fastest-growing carriers worldwide.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, hinted at the scale of this expansion: “We have already unveiled three new destinations for 2025—Prague, Warsaw, and Al Alamein—but now we are taking it to another level. Etihad is accelerating its growth strategy with an impressive announcement of 10 new destinations on a single day.”
The announcement underscores the airline’s dedication to delivering exceptional customer experiences, including authentic Emirati hospitality, convenient travel options, and carefully chosen schedules to meet customer needs. In preparation for the reveal, Etihad has launched a teaser campaign on TikTok, building anticipation with a special video scheduled for release on November 22.
Etihad’s rapid expansion highlights its ambition to connect travelers to more global destinations while attracting visitors to its home in Abu Dhabi. With the new routes, leisure and business travelers will enjoy more options and greater convenience, showcasing the airline’s ability to adapt and grow in a competitive industry.
