Long layovers used to be the stuff of travel nightmares, hours trapped in an airport with only overpriced snacks to keep you company. But Etihad Airways and the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT) have flipped the script. Since relaunching its Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, Etihad Airways has successfully turned that dreaded waiting period into a 48-hour vacation with a side of luxury. And trust us, the results speak for themselves.
Abu Dhabi And Etihad Airways Make Layovers A Lil More Luxe, Attracting Tourists
Picture this: You’re halfway through a gruelling 20-hour flight when you realise your 7-hour layover in Abu Dhabi is now a two-night mini-holiday. Sound too good to be true? Not anymore. Etihad’s stopover programme saw an unbelievable 274% rise in visitors, with 242% more international travellers saying “yes” to a quick escape. And by quick, we mean 24,000 visitors flocking to Abu Dhabi in just the first half of 2024. In comparison, the same period in 2023 saw just 7,000 people take advantage of the programme. That’s right, epic doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Travellers from all over, from the UK to Australia, have been soaking up the sun, sea, and five-star comfort on these stylish stopovers. Whether it’s a beach retreat, a food tour at top restaurants, or diving into Abu Dhabi’s cultural treasures, stopovers have become the new hot ticket. Why rush through when you can press pause and chill out in the UAE’s capital?
Easy As Booking A Flight
If you’re worried this sounds like too much work, don’t be. The masterminds behind this programme have made it ridiculously simple. With Etihad’s updated, super sleek booking page, adding a stopover is a breeze. You get to pick a complimentary one- or two-night stay at some of Abu Dhabi’s top hotels, and boom you’ve just upgraded your travel experience without lifting a finger.
Here’s All About The Abu Dhabi Stopover Programme By Etihad Airways
- Book Flights: The first step to avail of this programme is to book an Etihad flight connecting to Abu Dhabi.
- Minimum Layover: A guest with a confirmed flight ticket is eligible for a minimum 24-hour layover in Abu Dhabi.
- Eligibility: Only tickets booked from the official website or Etihad call centre are eligible for this stopover programme. Also, this programme does not apply to guests flying to or from Oman.
- Hotel Availability: Once you are done booking your ticket, add the booking reference number on Etihad Airways’ official website and it will show you hotel availability.
- Curated Trips: Depending on your layover program, the airlines have curated suitable itineraries for you to explore the cities best destinations in less time!
- Discounts & Offers: Save the boarding pass and avail a 30% discount on dining, theme parks, attractions, hotels & spas. You can read more about the participating outlets on the website.
- Free Shuttle Service: Worried about the money you’ll spend on transportation? Don’t worry as a free shuttle service is included in this stopover programme for the tourists.
- Visa Process: A free visit visa on arrival is available for most of the countries to Abu Dhabi. But it is advisable to check the eligibility of your country before booking the flight tickets.
For more terms and conditions and a list of hotels, attractions and dining check Etihad Airways’ official website.
Cover Image Courtesy: Etihad Airways/Website
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