Find out all about Etihad Airways First Class routes

Etihad is one of the airlines that set new standards for First Class cabins with the introduction of the A380. Alongside the First Class Apartment on the A380, there’s also the Etihad First Class Suite onboard the Boeing 787-9. But which routes feature these cabins? In this article, we’ll cover all Etihad First Class routes and destinations.

The Etihad First Class – It Depends on the Aircraft Type

Etihad First Class Apartment on the A380-800 (Source: AeroLopa)

The Etihad First Class Apartment, which for a long time was considered one of the best First Class products before the introduction of the new Singapore Airlines Suite Class and Emirates First Class on the A380, is exclusively available on Etihad’s A380. The airline currently has seven A380s in its fleet, with four active at the moment. A fifth A380 was transferred from the aircraft storage facility in Teruel, Spain, to Abu Dhabi in mid-September 2024, and is expected to resume regular service soon. Additional A380s may follow.

What sets the Etihad First Class Apartment apart is the 1-1 layout, resulting in very spacious First Class cabins. There’s enough room for a separate seat and bed (Review: Etihad First Class Apartment A380 Abu Dhabi to Sydney).

In addition to the First Class Apartment on the A380, Etihad offers a First Class Suite on some Boeing 787-9 aircraft. However, most of the 787-9 fleet features a two-class configuration with only Economy and Business Class, meaning not every 787 route has a First Class cabin. Etihad’s website and Aerolopa provide detailed seating charts to help find First Class-equipped routes. The Etihad First Class Suite has a 1-2-1 layout across two rows, accommodating eight passengers in First Class:

All Etihad First Class Apartment Destinations

All Etihad First Class Apartment Routes (Source: GCMap.com)

If you want to fly in the Etihad First Class Apartment, you’ll need to book a flight serviced by the Etihad Airbus A380. The airline received its first A380 in 2014, making it one of the later customers of the aircraft, with the final one delivered in 2017. Pre-pandemic, Etihad operated 10 Airbus A380s, and currently, four are back in service.

London (LHR)

London is one of the most important destinations for Middle Eastern airlines, including Etihad, which flies the A380 to London twice daily. The flight duration is approximately 7 to 8 hours.

• EY11: 02:05 Abu Dhabi – 06:45 London Heathrow

• EY17: 14:05 Abu Dhabi – 18:45 London Heathrow

• EY12: 09:30 London Heathrow – 19:25 Abu Dhabi

• EY18: 21:50 London Heathrow – 07:45 Abu Dhabi

Paris (CDG)

Paris will once again be serviced by the Airbus A380 starting in November 2024, with a flight duration of around 8 hours.

• EY31: 02:40 Abu Dhabi – 07:30 Paris

• EY12: 09:45 Paris – 19:25 Abu Dhabi

New York (JFK)

You can spend plenty of time in the Etihad First Class Apartment on the route to New York, with westbound flights lasting over 14 hours. This route was reintroduced in late April 2024 and is operated daily.

• EY1: 02:40 Abu Dhabi – 09:05 New York JFK

• EY2: 14:00 New York JFK – 11:00 Abu Dhabi

Mumbai (BOM)

From September 1, 2024, to December 29, 2024, the Etihad A380 is being deployed on flights to Mumbai, operating on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays to celebrate 20 years of Etihad flights to India.

• EY204: 14:35 Abu Dhabi – 19:25 Mumbai

• EY203: 23:05 Mumbai – 00:50 Abu Dhabi

Singapore (SIN)

Starting February 1, 2025, the Etihad A380 will also fly to Singapore. Further details are yet to be announced.

• EY496: 22:05 Abu Dhabi – 09:35 Singapore

• EY497: 19:25 Singapore – 23:20 Abu Dhabi

All Etihad First Class Suite Destinations

Etihad First Class Suite on the B787-9 (Source: AeroLopa)

The remaining Etihad First Class routes are operated by the Boeing 787-9. This aircraft is also used on flights to London and New York, providing additional First Class services to these destinations. For routes like Geneva and Casablanca, the Boeing 787-9 is the only aircraft offering First Class.

All Etihad First Class Suite Routes (Source: GCMap.com)

• London

• Geneva

• Casablanca (until the end of March 2025)

• New York JFK

The roughly 8-hour First Class flight from Abu Dhabi to Casablanca is certainly unique. You can find a full list of Etihad destinations via the Etihad Route Map available on their website.

Conclusion

Etihad offers First Class cabins on just two aircraft types. The products aboard the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9 are quite different and not easily comparable. London is the most consistently served First Class destination. However, other routes have seen changes in recent months, so it’s essential to check the aircraft type before booking to ensure you’ll experience First Class.