ETIHAD Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has launched daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Madinah, Saudi Arabia. A senior Etihad Airways delegation visited Madinah to celebrate the new service to the airline's fourth destination in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and one which attracts religious Haj and Umrah travelers visiting the home of Prophet Mohammed's (Peace be Upon Him) Mosque and burial site. They were received by Saudi officials at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. The delegation then hosted a dinner in the city attended by government, airport officials and other dignitaries. James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer Etihad Airways, said: “Madinah Al Munawarra is an important strategic destination for us, and we are delighted to commence our operations to the second holiest city in Islam. “Saudi Arabia has always been a key market for Etihad Airways and this new route links Madinah through our Abu Dhabi home base with excellent connections to Europe, Asia, the Americas and the rest of our growing network.” Flights between Abu Dhabi and Madinah are operated by an A320 aircraft configured with 16 Pearl Business Class and 120 Coral Economy Class seats, offering a total 1,904 seats per week. The new service to Madinah will be Etihad Airways' ninth destination in the Arabian Peninsula, joining Dammam, Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, Muscat, and Sana'a. – SG
