Etihad Airways Launches Etihad Escapes for Comprehensive Travel Solutions Beyond Flights, ETTravelWorld

Etihad Airways has unveiled Etihad Escapes, a new digital travel platform designed to allow customers to plan and book more elements of their journey beyond flights.Announced at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, the platform will launch in October, initially enabling customers with an Etihad flight booking to add hotel accommodation through Etihad.com.Etihad said the launch represents the first stage of a broader travel platform that will progressively bring flights, hotels and additional travel services together within a single digital experience. Further integration with the Etihad app and Etihad Guest loyalty programme is planned through 2027.Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the platform is intended to simplify trip planning while allowing the airline to build a broader relationship with customers.“Our guests already choose Etihad to take them to some of the world’s most exciting destinations. With Etihad Escapes, we want to make the rest of their journey just as easy.”“This is about building a much deeper relationship with our guests beyond the flight. Over time, Etihad Escapes will bring together flights, hotels, loyalty and other travel experiences in one place, creating a simpler and more personalised way to travel.”At launch, customers will be able to add a hotel after booking an Etihad flight, reducing the need to use separate platforms for flight and accommodation arrangements. The platform is expected to subsequently allow customers to search and book hotels independently and combine flights and accommodation through an integrated booking journey.Future phases will extend Etihad Escapes to the airline’s app and introduce greater personalisation, Etihad Guest integration and additional travel experiences and ancillary services.Etihad is developing the platform through its own capabilities and partnerships. Expedia Group B2B will provide hotel inventory, while Juniper Travel Technology will support the technology infrastructure. Miral Destinations will join as a launch partner, connecting Etihad customers with experiences in Abu Dhabi and supporting the development of travel packages around the emirate’s leisure destinations.Etihad said it plans to add further travel suppliers and partners as the platform develops.The airline also highlighted the wider commercial opportunity in travel spending beyond air tickets. Etihad said the global holiday market is valued at approximately USD2.7 trillion and is forecast to grow at 6.5% through 2030.The platform is expected to give Etihad access to a larger share of customers’ overall travel spending while supporting its wider network growth strategy. The airline also said the platform could contribute to increased visitor numbers and destination spending in Abu Dhabi, alongside supporting route economics.Neves said the platform would also support Abu Dhabi’s tourism ambitions by connecting Etihad’s network with a broader range of travel offerings and visitor experiences.