Etihad joins in the attack on Kuwait market

The Abu Dhabi-based airline has added new flights to both Kuwait and Dammam.

Starting from 1 April 2012, Etihad will increase frequency to Kuwait from 21 to 25 flights per week, and to Dammam from 13 to 16 flights per week, subject to regulatory approval.

Industry analyst Saj Ahmad said: "With Emirates recently increasing flights to Kuwait, its of little surprise to see Etihad follow suit. Of course we'll all now be wondering when Qatar Airways makes a move too.

“Increasing flights to Dammam is equally eye catching given the Saudi's new policy of allowing foreign competition to serve in the country, and although uptake to this has been muted, it hasn't stopped airlines in the GCC from expanding services to Saudi Arabia, and in particular from low cost airlines like flydubai.

“Etihad is right to stretch its reach within the GCC, perhaps even removing the need for a specific Abu Dhabi based low cost carrier of its own. That said, in markets like Kuwait where demand is robust, Etihad will certainly cultivate millions of dollars in revenue - revenue that incumbents like Kuwait Airways are losing on an almost continual basis."

The additional services will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class configuration, and will increase capacity by approximately 20 per cent across both routes.

The timing of the new services will provide greater access for business travellers to explore commercial opportunities in the two cities. In particular, guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait will be able to take advantage of the new conveniently timed evening departure.

Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan said: “Kuwait and Dammam are important strategic destinations for us due to the established cultural and commercial ties between the UAE and both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

“The additional flights will open new horizons for commercial activities in both cities and will further strengthen our Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) network. Our guests will now have more flexibility in their travel to Abu Dhabi and onto the airline’s worldwide network.”