Etihad Airways, the national airline of UAE, has launched daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Madinah, a key religious and cultural hub in the Western Province.

A senior Etihad Airways delegation visited Madinah to celebrate the new service to the airline’s fourth destination in the Kingdom and one which attracts Haj and Umrah travelers visiting the home of the Prophet’s Mosque.

They were received by Saudi officials at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. The delegation then hosted a dinner reception in the city attended by government, airport officials and other dignitaries.

James Hogan, president and CEO, Etihad Airways, said: “Madinah is an important strategic destination for us, and we are delighted to commence our operations to the second holiest city in Islam. Saudi Arabia has always been a key market for Etihad Airways and this new route links Madinah through our Abu Dhabi home base with excellent connections to Asia, Europe, the Americas and the rest of our growing network.”

Flights between Abu Dhabi and Madinah are operated by an A320 aircraft configured with 16 Pearl Business Class and 120 Coral Economy Class seats, offering a total 1,904 seats per week.

The new service to Madinah will be Etihad Airways’ ninth destination in the Arabian Peninsula, joining Riyadh, Dammam, Jeddah, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, and Sanaa.