Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways is preparing for one of its busiest winter travel seasons to date, with December expected to welcome more than 2 million guests through Abu Dhabi as travellers celebrate the festive season. While UAE residents take advantage of extended school holidays to travel, the capital’s expanding cultural and leisure offerings are attracting visitors from around the world. The strong demand reflects Abu Dhabi’s rising appeal as a global destination and Etihad’s accelerated network growth throughout 2025.
With newly launched routes, additional frequencies across high-demand markets, and enhanced connectivity through Zayed International Airport, guests flying to or transiting through Abu Dhabi this December will benefit from a smooth, efficient, and well-coordinated airport experience. Etihad continues to enhance the end-to-end journey in collaboration with its airport partners, ensuring guests enjoy reliable and seamless travel throughout the peak season.
To support an even more convenient journey, Etihad encourages guests to take advantage of the airline’s digital services, early check-in options, and Abu Dhabi City Check-In facilities, all designed to reduce waiting times and make travel easier for families, holidaymakers and those in transit.
Top Travel Tips from Etihad Airways This December
Arrive early
Etihad recommends arriving at Zayed International Airport at least three hours before your flight. This gives enough time for check-in, security, and reaching your gate comfortably. Early arrival also allows time for guests to enjoy the airport’s premium Lounges, the Etihad Spa by Be Relax, extensive dining, and shopping areas.
Use the Etihad App for a smoother journey
Download the Etihad App to make travel easier, with check in available 30 hours before departure. get your digital boarding pass, receive real-time flight and gate updates, track your baggage on selected routes and access helpful airport and travel information.
Guests can also check in and manage their booking at etihad.com.
Try Abu Dhabi City Check-In
Etihad offers convenient City Check-In facilities across Abu Dhabi, including the Cruise Terminal, Yas Mall, Mussafah, and Al Ain City. From 1 December 2025, US-bound guests can also benefit from offsite check-in services at the Cruise Terminal, providing added convenience ahead of their journey.
Guests can drop their bags and collect boarding passes up to 24 hours before flying, helping avoid queues at the airport.
Use Early Bag Drop or Home Check-In
To save even more time:
Follow Etihad’s baggage guidelines
Etihad reminds guests to make sure their bags meet size, weight and safety rules.
Items such as power banks, removable-battery smart bags, and e-smoking devices must be carried in cabin baggage only.
Full details are available on etihad.com.
Benefit from seamless connections through Abu Dhabi
With an expanding network and increased frequencies, Etihad offers smooth one-stop connections through Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.
Unlock More with the Abu Dhabi Pass
Guests travelling to or stopping over in Abu Dhabi can benefit from the Abu Dhabi Pass, which offers discounts at many of the city’s leading attractions, restaurants and leisure venues.
The pass includes savings at cultural landmarks and museums such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visitor experiences, and other notable cultural sites across the Emirate, as well as selected Yas Island leisure attractions.
The Abu Dhabi Pass also provides complimentary local SIM or eSIM with data, making it easier for visitors to stay connected during their stay.
It is an ideal way for travellers to explore Abu Dhabi’s museums, cultural districts, Yas Island experiences, National Day festivities, winter events, and New Year’s Eve celebrations throughout December.
