Etihad Airways has unveiled Etihad Escapes, a new travel platform designed to allow customers to plan and book more elements of their journey through a single digital experience.

Unveiled at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 in Dubai, Etihad Escapes is set to launch in October, initially allowing customers with an Etihad flight booking to add hotel accommodation directly through Etihad.com.

The platform is the first stage of a broader travel offering that Etihad plans to expand through 2027.

Future developments will bring flights, hotels and additional travel services together, with further integration into the Etihad app and Etihad Guest loyalty programme.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, 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.

“It also creates an important new growth platform for Etihad and for Abu Dhabi. By connecting the scale of our network with a broader travel offering, and some of Abu Dhabi’s leading visitor experiences, we can bring more visitors to the emirate, help them experience more of Abu Dhabi and support Abu Dhabi’s ambition to welcome 39.3 million visitors* and generate AED 90 billion in tourism GDP by 2030.”

At launch, customers will be able to add hotel accommodation after booking an Etihad flight. The service will progressively expand to allow customers to search and book hotels independently and combine flights and accommodation through an integrated booking journey.

Future phases will add Etihad Escapes to the Etihad app, alongside greater personalisation, Etihad Guest integration and a wider range of travel experiences and ancillary services.

The platform is being developed through Etihad’s own capabilities and partnerships. Expedia Group B2B will provide hotel inventory, while Juniper Travel Technology will support the technology infrastructure.

Miral Destinations is joining as a launch partner to connect customers with Abu Dhabi experiences and develop packages around the emirate’s leisure destinations.

Etihad plans to add further suppliers and partners as the platform develops.

The airline said the platform will allow it to participate in a greater share of the travel journey as its network and customer base expand.

The global holiday market is valued at approximately $2.7 trillion and is forecast to grow by 6.5% to 2030, presenting opportunities for additional revenue and increased visitor spending in Abu Dhabi. -TradeArabia News Service