Etihad Airways has announced the launch of its new "Etihad Escapes" platform in October. In its first phase, the platform will allow passengers with Etihad flight bookings to add hotel stays directly through the airline's website.
The airline unveiled the platform during its participation in Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, as part of a plan to develop an integrated digital travel platform combining flights, hotels and additional travel services through 2027, according to a post on the Etihad Airways website.
At launch, Etihad Escapes will allow travelers to add a hotel after completing their flight booking. Its services will later expand to include searching for and booking hotels on a standalone basis, and combining flights and hotel stays in a single booking.
Future phases will also make the platform available through the Etihad app, strengthen integration with the Etihad Guest loyalty program, and add more travel services and experiences.
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the platform aims to extend the airline's relationship with travelers to services beyond the flight, gradually bringing together flights, hotels, Etihad Guest and travel experiences on a single platform.
He added that Etihad Escapes offers a growth opportunity for Etihad and Abu Dhabi, linking the airline's network of destinations with travel services and tourism experiences in the emirate.
He pointed to Abu Dhabi's target of welcoming 39.3 million visitors and raising the tourism sector's contribution to GDP to AED 90 billion by 2030.
Expedia Group will manage hotel services on the platform, while Juniper Travel Technology will support the technical infrastructure, and Miral will join as a launch partner to connect travelers with Abu Dhabi experiences and develop travel packages linked to the emirate's leisure destinations. Etihad plans to add more travel service providers and partners as the new platform expands.
The platform targets the global holiday market, estimated at around $2.7 trillion and expected to grow at 6.5% a year through 2030. Through the platform, Etihad seeks to broaden its revenue streams from travel services beyond the airline ticket, as its network and passenger base grow.
To view the post on the Etihad Airways website, click here.
