Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have signed a partnership agreement to provide travelers with additional options when visiting the United Arab Emirates. The agreement between the two airlines aims to increase tourism to the UAE from key markets. By offering travelers the opportunity to visit multiple destinations on one trip, the airlines hope to attract more visitors to the region.

This summer, customers of both airlines will be able to purchase tickets to fly to Dubai or Abu Dhabi with a simple and convenient return journey via the other airport, giving travellers the flexibility and opportunity to explore multiple destinations during their stay in the UAE. 

The new agreement between the airlines also means convenient baggage check-in for all travelers, making travel smoother and more convenient for travelers. This is a change that will make it easier for visitors to explore the UAE in a more seamless way.  

In the initial phases of the partnership, each airline will focus on attracting visitors by developing inbound interline traffic from selected points in Europe and China. The so-called open jaw arrangement will allow visitors to explore Abu Dhabi, Dubai or any other emirate without having to fly home via their arrival airport. Customers travelling to the UAE will also have the option of booking multi-city flights, with the choice of travelling from one city on either airline’s network and conveniently returning to another point served by either Emirates or Etihad. 

“We are delighted to partner with Etihad Airways again, allowing each airline to offer a new range of seamless travel options to and from the UAE. Emirates and Etihad leverage their strengths to expand customer offerings and grow tourism in the UAE,” said Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates. 

“We are delighted to be working with Emirates in our shared mission to support inbound tourism to the UAE and facilitate travel to our vibrant cities. We promise to deliver an exceptional flying experience whether they fly with Etihad or Emirates,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad. 

The expanded partnership builds on both airlines’ commitment to promoting tourism and enhancing the UAE’s position as a global destination. Tourism is one of the key pillars of the country’s economy, expected to contribute 5.4 percent of the nation’s total GDP, equivalent to $31.6 billion, and lead to 1 million jobs by 2027*. 

This is the second time the airlines have collaborated. In 2018, Emirates Group Security and Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen aviation security, including information sharing in operational areas both within and outside the UAE. Last year, Emirates signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism to increase tourist arrivals to the capital from key markets across the airline’s global network. 

According to the press release.