Etihad celebrates inaugural flight to Kazan, welcoming guests to discover Abu Dhabi and beyond

Etihad Airways launched its inaugural flight to Kazan, establishing a direct link between one of Russia’s fastest-growing cities and Abu Dhabi, the gateway to exceptional travel experiences across the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. The new route, operating three times weekly, brings these two dynamic destinations within easy reach, with a flight time of just over five hours. For travellers from Kazan and across Russia, Abu Dhabi offers year-round sunshine, world-class attractions, and seamless connections to Etihad’s extensive global network.
Flight EY839 touched down at Kazan International Airport this afternoon, greeted with a ceremonial welcome, marking the start of a new travel corridor for business and leisure travellers. Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, the service is perfectly timed for weekend escapes or extended holidays.
“We’re delighted to welcome guests from Kazan to discover Abu Dhabi, a city that beautifully blends Emirati heritage with contemporary innovation,” said Natalia Goryunova, Country Manager Russia at Etihad Airways.
“Through our Abu Dhabi hub, passengers can enjoy seamless connections to Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the GCC region, and Australia, opening up exceptional travel opportunities across Etihad’s global network. Whether exploring Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, pristine beaches, and thriving dining scene, or connecting onwards to destinations throughout our network, this flight opens up a world of possibilities for travellers in both directions.”
Abu Dhabi welcomes visitors with its stunning cultural attractions including the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi, alongside world-class entertainment at Yas Island’s theme parks and the year-round sunshine that makes the UAE capital an ideal winter escape. The city’s blend of traditional Emirati hospitality and modern luxury creates an unforgettable experience for international guests.
For Abu Dhabi residents and visitors, Kazan offers an equally captivating destination. Sited on the banks of the famous Volga River, the city blends Tatar and Russian heritage, with the UNESCO-listed Kazan Kremlin showcasing stunning mosques and cathedrals side by side. Beyond its rich history, Kazan has emerged as Russia’s “sports capital,” home to championship-winning football club FC Rubin Kazan, ice hockey powerhouse Ak Bars, and UNICS basketball team, with state-of-the-art venues that have hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup and other major international events.
The Kazan route is the latest part of Etihad’s ambitious 2025 network expansion, which includes multiple new destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. The seasonal winter service operates until 19 April 2026, with plans to resume next winter season. This growth underscores Etihad’s commitment to connecting diverse cultures and creating seamless travel experiences for its guests.