Etihad Airways marks tenth anniversary of flights to Bangladesh

Diplomats, government and aviation officials were joined by corporate and travel industry partners, along with the airline’s Dhaka-based employees as Etihad Airways recognised their loyalty and support.

Dr Saeed Bin Hajar Al Shehi, UAE Ambasador to Bangladesh, and Rashid Khan Menon MP, Minister of Civil Aviation of Bangladesh, were guests of honour at the anniversary event, held at Le Meridien Hotel, Dhaka.

Etihad Airways launched scheduled flights between the capital cities of the United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh on 4 May 2006 with four services a week. Frequency rose to daily soon after, with a bigger 380-seat Boeing 777-300 Extended Range aircraft now operating on the route.

Neerja Bhatia, Etihad Airways vice president Indian Subcontinent, said Bangladesh was an integral part of the airline’s global network, providing guests with ease of travel to Abu Dhabi and destinations worldwide.

“Our guests from Bangladesh are offered a world class, award-winning service to over 600 destinations around the world with Etihad Airways and our partner airlines,” she said.

“It is our strong partnership with key stakeholders here and globally that has helped Etihad Airways excel to great heights in just a few years. This spirit of dedication and commitment is part of Etihad Airways’ DNA and we recognise their support and achievements to help make Etihad Airways the airline of choice."

Hanif Zakaria, Etihad Airways general manager Bangladesh, said: “Etihad Airways’ complimentary bus service between Dhaka, and both Chittagong and Sylhet, has provided ease of transfers on our departing and arriving flights. In addition, for those travelling to the United States, the unique US Pre-Clearance Immigration and Customs facilities at Abu Dhabi International Airport provide guests with the extra convenience of arriving in the US as domestic passengers ensuring they avoid lengthy formalities on arrival.”