Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is increasing capacity to the Kingdom with a third daily flight between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah, with effect from Dec. 10.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier’s flights to the commercial capital of Saudi Arabia, launched in May 2006, are among the most popular of its regional services, enjoying high demand from the UAE and Etihad’s global network.

Kevin Knight, Etihad Airways’ chief strategy and planning officer, said: “I am delighted to build on the success of our Jeddah flights. This new service expands our operation to the Kingdom and further strengthens the already strong historic relations and cultural ties between the two Arab states.

He added: “Business, religious and leisure guests flying between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah may now choose from greater schedule options. Abu Dhabi’s geographical location makes it ideal as a gateway for air travelers going to the Saudi Arabia.”

Etihad Airways’ third daily service between Abu Dhabi and Jeddah will be served with an Airbus A320 aircraft, configured with 16 seats in Business and 120 in Economy classes. The existing double daily flights are operated on two-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Etihad Airways currently operates nine daily flights across the Kingdom, including Dammam, Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah. Recently, Etihad Airways expanded its presence in Saudi Arabia through a new five-times-per-week codeshare between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi operated by codeshare partner flynas.