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Etihad Airways Expands Summer 2025 Schedule
Etihad Airways has unveiled its Summer 2025 schedule, featuring double-daily flights to key European cities. The enhanced schedule, now open for booking, includes twice-daily flights between Abu Dhabi and popular destinations like Paris, Milan, Rome, Manchester, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Barcelona, and Madrid. These flights are strategically timed for morning and evening departures, offering flexibility to suit different travel preferences.
A key highlight of the new schedule is the 2pm departure from Abu Dhabi. This schedule aligns with the UAE’s growing tourism sector and gives travellers the option to enjoy more of their day before heading to the airport. Morning arrivals allow for early hotel check-ins, while evening arrivals cater to those balancing work or other commitments.
In addition to the expanded European schedule, Etihad is upgrading its Bali flights to daily, following high demand, and increasing flights to Sydney to 10 per week. Seasonal flights to Malaga will also rise to five times weekly. The airline continues its network growth, with new routes to Warsaw and Prague launching soon, and more announcements expected.
View the Etihad website here to book.
See the full schedule changes below:
| Destination | Change | Total Frequency | Beginning From* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bali | +3 per week | 7 | Apr-25 |
| Barcelona | +4 per week | 14 | Jun-25 |
| Casablanca | +3 per week | 7 | Aug-25 |
| Copenhagen | +1 per week | 5 | Aug-25 |
| Dublin | +3 per week | 10 | Jul-25 |
| Frankfurt | +2 per week | 14 | Feb-25 |
| Jakarta | +4 per week | 14 | Aug-25 |
| Madrid | +4 per week | 14 | Jul-25 |
| Malaga | +2 per week | 5 | Jul-25 |
| Manchester | +7 per week | 14 | Dec-24 |
| Milan | +4 per week | 14 | Dec-24 |
| Munich | +4 per week | 14 | May-25 |
| Paris | +7 per week | 14 | Jan-25 |
| Rome | +1 per week | 14 | Feb-25 |
| Sydney | +3 per week | 10 | Jul-25 |
| Zurich | +4 per week | 14 | May-25 |
Earn 3,000 IHG Points for Every 2 Nights
IHG Rewards is back with a new promotion, offering travelers the chance to earn 3,000 bonus points for every two nights stayed. Whether you’re already an IHG One Rewards member or are considering joining, this promotion is a great way to accumulate points that can be used for free stays, merchandise, and more. Here’s everything you need to know to take advantage of this offer.
To participate in the promotion, you must have an active IHG One Rewards account and register for the promotion. Pre-registration is available from 12-18 September 2024. If you miss this period, you can still register during the promotion itself, which runs from 19 September 2024 to 31 December 2024. Register for the promotion here.
To earn these points, each night must be part of a Promotion Eligible Qualifying Stay. This includes a minimum of one night at a participating hotel, booked at a qualifying rate with a total spend exceeding $30 USD per night (or local currency equivalent). It’s important to note that bookings made through third-party sites such as Expedia or Booking.com will not count toward the promotion, so make sure to book directly through IHG channels. Additionally, bonus points may take up to six weeks to appear in your account, so be patient after completing your stay.
It’s also important to remember that the points earned through this promotion do not contribute towards achieving or maintaining IHG Elite status. Furthermore, some hotel brands, such as Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas and Iberostar Beachfront Resorts, have limitations on the benefits that can be earned through IHG One Rewards, though you can still earn or redeem points for stays at these properties.
To maximize this promotion, consider booking stays in two-night blocks if you’re planning an extended visit, as this will help you maximize the number of points you can earn. Just make sure all bookings are made directly with IHG to ensure they qualify for the promotion.
United Airlines to Offer Free Starlink Wi-Fi
Following on from our article this week about Cathay following suit with the other airlines, United Airlines is the latest to introduce free high-speed, low-latency internet for passengers with Starlink. The service will allow passengers to stream live TV, use social media, shop, play games, and more on both seatback screens and personal devices simultaneously.
I flew JSX Airlines from Vegas to Los Angeles recently which was equipped with Starlink and I have to say it was incredible. The speed was as good as my super-fast broadband at home.
United aims to equip over 1,000 aircraft with Starlink, with testing starting in early 2025 and passenger flights by the end of that year.
Passengers will be able to connect multiple devices at once and enjoy uninterrupted live streaming, gaming, and online shopping during their flight. Additionally, United’s inflight app will allow customers to check real-time flight information and contact customer support while onboard.
United is also upgrading its inflight entertainment systems, with larger HD touch screens, Bluetooth connectivity, and power outlets at every seat.
