Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Etihad Expands India Plans Amid Aviation Growth
Etihad Airways wants to add 5-7 new places in India, like Goa, and fly more often to cities like Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.
Their boss, Antonoaldo Neves, thinks this will help Indian airlines in the future.
He said that foreign airlines can help grow the market now, so Indian airlines can use it later.
Etihad thinks India is very important for their future growth.
But they can't do it right away because there aren't enough airplanes.
Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is spending a lot of money to make airports and air traffic control towers better and more modern by 2028.
Boeing also said that India's air travel will grow a lot in the next 20 years, needing more planes and jobs.
Everyone is working together to make flying in India better and more efficient.
Etihad Airways plans to add 5-7 new destinations in India, including Goa, if traffic rights are granted.
The airline aims to double frequencies to existing destinations like Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves believes foreign carriers can build the market for Indian carriers to tap into later.
Etihad views India as a critical pillar of its Vision 2030, projecting 15-20% future growth from the country.
The airline faces a shortage of aircraft, which limits immediate expansion even if traffic rights are granted.
- Who
- Etihad Airways, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Boeing
- What
- Etihad plans to expand in India; AAI is modernizing infrastructure; Boeing projects significant aviation growth
- When
- Discussed at Wings India 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To build the market for future Indian carrier growth and tap into India's potential as a critical pillar of its Vision 2030
- Airline
- Etihad Airways
- CEO
- Antonoaldo Neves
- Projected Growth from India
- 15-20%
- Potential New Destinations
- 5-7, including Goa
- Current Unutilized Seats in India
- 10,000
- Global Growth in 2025
- 20%
- Event
- Wings India 2026
- AAI Investment
- Rs 15,000 crore
- AAI Completion Year
- 2028
- Boeing Projected Jobs
- 1.41 lakh over 20 years
- Boeing Projected Aircraft
- 3,300 by 2044
Sources
Etihad Airways eyes 5-7 new India destinations, doubling frequencies if traffic rights granted
Boeing: Aviation to Create 1.41 lakh Jobs Over 20 Years
AAI Modernising ATC Towers, Navigational Systems and Critical Infrastructure: Chairman Vipin Kumar
PM Pitches For Investments In Fast-Growing Indian Civil Aviation Sector
Boeing unfazed by India-EU FTA, says maintenance cost unlikely to decline soon
