Etihad Airways has unveiled new platform, Etihad Escapes, that will allow direct customers to book hotels and other holiday components alongside flights.
The airline launched Etihad Escapes at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, and the platform is due to go live in October.
Initially, customers who have booked an Etihad flight will be able to add hotel accommodation through the airline’s website, but Etihad Escapes will be expanded during 2027 to include additional travel services. The airline plans to integrate it into the Etihad app and Etihad Guest loyalty programme.
Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: “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.”
Etihad said the platform would eventually allow customers to search for and book hotels independently before combining flights and accommodation within a single booking journey.
Future phases will also add travel experiences, ancillary services and greater personalisation.
The airline said Etihad Escapes would help support Abu Dhabi’s tourism ambitions by encouraging visitors to spend more time in the emirate and book local attractions.
Expedia Group B2B will provide hotel inventory for the platform, while Juniper Travel Technology is supporting the technology infrastructure. Miral Destinations has joined as a launch partner to help develop Abu Dhabi-focused travel packages and experiences.
Etihad said it plans to add more travel suppliers and partners as the platform evolves.
