Etihad Airways will launch a new booking platform, Etihad Escapes, in October, allowing guests with an existing Etihad flight booking to add hotel accommodation directly through Etihad.com.
The platform was unveiled at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai and is the first stage of a wider system Etihad plans to build out through 2027, eventually combining flights, hotels and other travel services within one digital booking journey, with further integration into the Etihad app and Etihad Guest loyalty programme. Etihad has not specified an exact October launch date or confirmed whether the rollout will apply across all markets from day one.
Etihad said the platform will progressively expand so guests can search and book hotels independently, then combine flights and hotels within a single integrated booking. Later phases are expected to add greater personalisation, deeper Etihad Guest integration and a wider set of travel experiences and ancillary services.
Hotel inventory for Etihad Escapes is being supplied by Expedia Group B2B, with Juniper Travel Technology providing the booking infrastructure. Miral Destinations joins as launch partner, connecting the platform to Abu Dhabi attractions and packages, with Etihad saying further travel suppliers will be added as the platform develops. Kiwi travellers currently reach the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub through longstanding codeshare agreements with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, connecting via Australian gateways including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.