Flights to Abu Dhabi
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Airlines flying to Abu Dhabi
Booking flights is easy with 600+ airlines at your fingertips. If Abu Dhabi is your next stop, these are our top three recommendations:
Etihad Airways is the national airline of the UAE. It operates flights to Abu Dhabi from many cities around the world.
With its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Etihad connects travellers from North America, Europe, Asia and beyond.
If you're flying from overseas, you can book direct flights to Abu Dhabi from key international cities and fly with Etihad. For travellers who can't find direct flights, you can still connect through major hubs like London, Frankfurt and Mumbai.
American Airlines doesn't currently offer direct flights to Abu Dhabi, however, thanks to its partnership with Etihad Airways, reaching UAE's capital is still straightforward.
Flights to Abu Dhabi are available from several US cities including Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Phoenix, Cleveland and Rochester. These routes will include 1 stop, usually through a major international hub.
Depending on the route and layovers, you can expect your journey to Abu Dhabi from the USA to be around 16-24 hours.
Lufthansa is a great choice for flying to Abu Dhabi, offering plenty of connections through its hubs in Frankfurt and Munich.
While Lufthansa may not always have direct flights from every departure city, you can fly to Frankfurt or Munich first. From there, Lufthansa operates regular flights to Abu Dhabi, making it a smooth and convenient option.
With multiple flights per week from Frankfurt and connections from cities like London, Miami, Los Angeles and Chicago, getting to Abu Dhabi with Lufthansa is easy.
Airports near Abu Dhabi
With multiple international airports nearby, getting to Abu Dhabi is simple. Here are the top airports with regular flights to the city and surrounding areas.
Zayed International Airport, formerly known as Abu Dhabi International Airport, is the main international gateway to the UAE's capital. It's a 30-minute taxi ride from the city centre.
The airport is the hub for Etihad Airways, connecting passengers to over 120 destinations across the world. Other major airlines flying in and out of this airport include Qatar Airways, Wizz Air, Air Arabia and Turkish Airlines.
Dubai International Airport is one of the world's busiest airports, connecting over 260 destinations across 6 continents. It's the main hub for Emirates and Flydubai, alongside major airlines like Air France, KLM and Lufthansa.
If you're heading to Abu Dhabi, DXB is a solid alternative to flying directly. The drive can take about 1 hour 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic) but intercity and metro buses are also available, getting you to Abu Dhabi in about 3.5 hours.
Hamad International Airport
Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar, is a key transit hub for travellers heading to Abu Dhabi when direct flights aren't an option. The airport is home to Qatar Airways, a five-star airline offering global connections.
If you're flying from Doha to Abu Dhabi, you've got two major airlines to choose from: Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways. With multiple daily flights, the journey takes just under an hour!
King Abdulaziz International Airport is Saudi Arabia's busiest airport, located in Jeddah. It's a major hub for domestic and international flights, with Saudia, Flynas and Flyadeal operating from here, alongside global airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, EgyptAir and Turkish Airlines.
Direct flights from Jeddah to Abu Dhabi take about 2 hours 25 minutes. This route is operated frequently by Etihad Airways, Saudia and Flynas.
Book flights to Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, located on the Arabian Peninsula. It's where cutting-edge skyscrapers meet centuries-old traditions.
Know Before You Go:
What are the best things to see in Abu Dhabi?
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque - One of the world's largest mosques, with stunning white marble domes and intricate gold details.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi - A spectacular art museum showcasing masterpieces from across the world under an iconic dome.
- Ferrari World - Home to the world's fastest rollercoaster and a dream spot for thrill-seekers and car enthusiasts.
What airlines fly to Abu Dhabi?
- Etihad Airways - Offers the most direct flights from other cities worldwide
- Emirates - Ideal for connections via Dubai
- Qatar Airways - Ideal for connections via Doha
Which airports are close to Abu Dhabi?
- Abu Dhabi International Airport - approx 30km (18 miles) east of downtown Abu Dhabi.
- Dubai International Airport - approx 140km (87 miles) away from Abu Dhabi
Things to do in Abu Dhabi
Off to Abu Dhabi? There's a lot to explore, but here are a few must-see spots:
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture and a must-visit spot for anyone heading to the UAE. It's one of the largest mosques in the world, featuring over 80 domes, over 1,000 columns and 4 towering minarets. The mosque stands as a symbol of peace, welcoming visitors from all backgrounds to learn about Islamic culture.
The easiest way to reach the mosque is by taxi, although there are parking spaces available if you're hiring a car during your stay in the city. Admission is free and complimentary guides are available in multiple languages.
One important rule to follow is to wear modest clothing when visiting the mosque. Women should cover their arms, legs and hair - abayas are available on-site if you need one. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid being uncomfortable in Abu Dhabi's midday heat.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
If you're a car enthusiast or thrill-seeker, you will want to visit Ferrari World Abu Dhabi! Located on Yas Island, it's the world's first Ferrari-branded theme park, packed with high-speed rides and family-friendly attractions. Some of the most popular rides include Formula Rossa, Flying Aces and Mission Ferrari.
Not a fan of high-speed thrills? The park has plenty more to offer, including interactive experiences and simulators, making it fun for all ages. Plus, you can refuel at on-site restaurants serving authentic Italian food.
Aim to visit on a weekday, especially early in the afternoon, to avoid the crowds. We also recommend booking tickets in advance if you're visiting during Abu Dhabi's peak season. Ferrari World is a 10-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, and only 30 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a cultural icon on Saadiyat Island, showcasing art and history from around the world. It opened in 2017 as the first universal museum in the Arab world. Its striking dome, designed by Jean Nouvel, features over thousands of metal stars that create a stunning 'rain of light' effect.
Inside the museum, you'll find world-class exhibitions, fine-dining at a French brasserie and boutique shops full of art-inspired gifts.
The museum is open until 1:00 AM during Ramadan, with regular hours closing on Mondays. Tickets are only 65 AED, while visitors under 18, UAE senior citizens and certain groups can enter for free. Visit early in the morning or late in the evening for a quieter experience.
Louvre Abu Dhabi is easy to get to. There is direct road access from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, plus public transport options and free shuttle services from neighbouring cities.
What's happening in Abu Dhabi?
- Sting 3.0 Concert - 3 April 2025. Renowned Britsh musician, Sting, will perform at Etihad Arena.
- Usher Concert - 19 April 2025. Global sensation Usher is set to take the stage at Etihad Park.
- Ed Sheeran Concert - 26 April 2025. Ed Sheeran is going to perform at the du Arena.
- Guns N' Roses Concert - 27 May 2025. The iconic rock band, Guns N' Roses, are scheduled to perform at the Etihad Arena.
- EuroLeague Final Four - 23-25 May 2025. For the first time, Abu Dhabi will host the EuroLeague Final Four basketball tournament at the Etihad Arena.
- F1 Abu Dhabi - 5-7 December 2025. The season finale of the 2025 F1 World Championship will take place at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Best time to visit Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has something to offer year-round. Whether you want perfect weather, fewer tourists or a budget-friendly trip, here’s what each season looks like.
Winter ❄️
November to March
This is considered to be the best time to visit Abu Dhabi. Daytime temperatures hover between 20°C and 30°C, making it perfect for hitting the beach, strolling the Corniche or exploring landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
But with great weather comes great demand - expect crowds and higher hotel prices.
Spring 🌸
April to May
It’s getting hotter, with temperatures rising to 25°C-35°C. Still, it’s a great time for beach days and water sports, and since it’s a shoulder season, you might be able to grab a good deal on hotels.
Summer ☀️
June to September
Abu Dhabi turns into an oven, with temperatures regularly soaring above 40°C - sometimes hitting 50°C.
Outdoor activities? Not a chance. Most people stick to indoor attractions like malls and museums. But if you can handle the heat, expect lower flight and hotel prices.
Autumn 🍂
October to November
Temperatures drop back to a manageable 25°C-35°C, making it a solid time to visit. It’s not as busy as winter, but still warm enough to enjoy the beaches, city sights and seasonal events.
Wherever you're looking to go next, we'll get you there on your terms
Abu Dhabi Do's and Don'ts
Abu Dhabi is an incredible place to explore, with a deep history and plenty of traditions to respect. To keep things smooth and stress-free, here are a few key things to keep in mind when visiting.
Do
- Dress respectfully - Make sure your shoulders and knees are covered in public spaces. Women should bring a headscarf when visiting mosques.
- Be mindful of prayer times - Especially during Ramadan, when eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours are not allowed.
- Greet with respect - A polite way to say hello is "As-Salaam-Alaikum" (peace be upon you), with "Wa-Alaikum-Salaam" as the response.
- Be on time - Whether it's for a meeting or seeing friends, being punctual is a sign of respect.
Don't
- No PDA - Kissing and hugging in public will cause offense.
- Watch your language - Swearing or rude gestures can get you in legal trouble.
- Avoid sensitive topics - Religion and politics are best left out of conversations.
- Respect Ramadan rules - During the holy month, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours is illegal.
- Be mindful with photos - Never take pictures of people without consent or of government and military buildings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It's the largest of the 7 emirates that constitute the country. Abu Dhabi is situated on a T-shaped island extending into the Persian Gulf from the central western coast.
The city is connected to the mainland by several bridges including the Maqta, Mussafah and Sheikh Zayed bridges.
Is Abu Dhabi safe?
Abu Dhabi is known for being a safe city for both residents and visitors. It was ranked the safest city in the world for the sixth year in a row in 2023! Crime rates are low and incidents like pickpocketing/bag snatching are very rare.
But as with any destination, it's always smart to keep an eye on your belongings and avoid isolated areas at night.
How far is Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
Abu Dhabi and Dubai are about 87 miles apart, making travel between them quick and easy. By car, the journey takes up to 1.5 hours, with taxi fares ranging from 250-300 AED. Buses run every 20 minutes, taking around 1 hour 40 minutes and costing about 25 AED per trip. There is also the Dubai Metro to Ibn Battuta Station, with a transfer to the E101 bus, taking around 2.5 hours.
Who flies to Abu Dhabi?
The main airlines flying to Abu Dhabi are Etihad Airways, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Oman Air, Turkish Airlines, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, Wizz Air, Cham Wings Airlines and Air Baltic.
Alternative Airlines tickets 600+ airlines, including the ones listed above, so finding a flight to Abu Dhabi that works for you will be easy.