War in Iran may upend the start of Charlotte airport's first Middle East route
Etihad Airways, the United Arab Emirates carrier planning to launch Charlotte’s first nonstop flight to the Middle East service this month, is now navigating a travel crisis amid the widening fallout of an American and Israeli attack on Iran and retaliatory strikes.
With much fanfare last May, Etihad unveiled plans to launch nonstop service between Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The airport also touted the many things tourists could see and do and see in the U.A.E.
Those flights from Charlotte were supposed to start March 20.
But airspace over much of the Middle East was closed following the attacks, resulting in the cancellation of tens of thousands of flights over the weekend. The widespread closure of airspace continued into Monday.
For now, all Etihad flights remain suspended until at least 2 p.m. local time on Wednesday, according to a statement the airline sent to The Charlotte Observer.
“Safety remains our absolute priority, and services will operate only once all safety criteria are met,” Etihad said in its statement. The airline is advising passengers not to travel to the airport unless specifically directed by Etihad staff.
Dubai airport damaged by Iran’s drones
Iran’s retaliatory drone strikes in the region damaged parts of Dubai International Airport and the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. The hotel is an iconic landmark in the country.
Four people were injured at the Dubai airport, one of the world’s busiest hubs. It’s about 80 miles northwest of the Zayed airport where the flights from Charlotte will land. Zayed bills itself as the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East.
Etihad expanding in Charlotte
Despite the current instability in the Middle East, Etihad’s arrival marks a milestone for CLT. It also will be the first nonstop flight from North Carolina to the Middle East.
Last year, Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves told the Observer that Charlotte was part of the airline’s long-term network strategy. Charlotte consistently stood out as a key market to support both business and leisure demand to and from Abu Dhabi, and beyond, Neves said.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, a universal art museum, is one of many attractions for visitors in the Capital of the United Arab Emirates. Etihad Airways
Charlotte passengers on the new route will fly on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. This will be the first time this advanced aircraft has been based at CLT, according to the company,
The roughly 300-seat flagship is designed for long-haul comfort, featuring larger windows, a quieter cabin and about 25% better fuel efficiency than older models. The 13- to 15-hour flight will offer full Wi-Fi and live TV streaming, “Dine on Demand” service in business class, fully lie-flat beds and private suites, and customizable catering with pre-ordered specialty meals.
About Etihad Airways
Established in 2003, the UAE’s national carrier operates a global network spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Its other U.S. destinations include New York, Chicago, Washington, Boston and Atlanta.
The airline saw significant growth recently, transporting 22.4 million passengers last year - a 21% increase over 2024.
Etihad ended the year with a fleet of 127 aircraft after adding 29 new planes in 2025, the largest single-year expansion in its history.
Etihad Airways’ flights between Charlotte and the United Arab Emirates will offer business passengers many in-flight services and comfortable seating. The airline is planning to launch service March 20, although it is not clear if the war in the Middle East will force those plans to change.
