Etihad Expands Southeast Asia Network with New Medan and Phnom Penh Routes, Enhancing Connection

Etihad Airways has made a significant stride in expanding its international network, unveiling two new routes into Southeast Asia that are poised to benefit African business and leisure markets alike. On October 2nd, Etihad launched its inaugural service to Medan in Sumatra, Indonesia, swiftly followed by the opening of flights to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s vibrant capital, on October 3rd. These additions now bring Etihad’s global destination count to 83, further anchoring Abu Dhabi as a major global aviation hub.

For African travel professionals, these new connections present timely opportunities. They not only facilitate smoother journeys for those venturing to Southeast Asia for business, tourism, or trade but also offer a competitive edge for agencies seeking to diversify itineraries and tap into emerging demand for multi-continent travel experiences.

Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, Antonoaldo Neves, emphasized the strategic value of the expansion: “We’re proud to expand our network in Southeast Asia, inviting more guests across the region to explore our home with a convenient and direct route to Abu Dhabi, creating new connections for commerce and tourism between Abu Dhabi and the region.”

Medan, the bustling gateway to Sumatra, emerges as a compelling new destination. The city is renowned for its lush rainforests, proximity to the spectacular Lake Toba—the world’s largest volcanic lake and a UNESCO Global Geopark—and its rich Batak culture. Beyond its natural and cultural assets, Medan plays a vital role as a commercial and industrial centre, linking Indonesia with new partners in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. With this route, African businesses and tourists gain direct access to a part of Indonesia previously underserved by major international carriers, opening up fresh avenues for cross-border trade and cultural exchange.

Meanwhile, Etihad’s arrival in Phnom Penh injects new energy into Cambodia’s connectivity with the world. The city, known for its dynamic riverside promenade, lively markets, and thriving culinary scene, stands as a gateway to the country’s iconic attractions, such as the legendary temples of Angkor Wat. For African travellers, the four weekly flights (set to increase to six from November 2025) offer streamlined access to Cambodia’s burgeoning tourism and business landscape. The route also supports the growing trend of combining Southeast Asian destinations in a single itinerary, a pattern increasingly favoured by African globetrotters and business delegations alike.

Both new routes are serviced by Etihad’s state-of-the-art Airbus A321LR, which introduces remarkable comfort and innovation to these journeys. The aircraft boasts a three-cabin configuration, including the airline’s inaugural narrowbody First Suites. These private suites feature sliding doors, fully-flat beds, and luxury design elements typically reserved for widebody long-haul aircraft. Passengers in First Class enjoy the First Deluxe service, which includes a personal Concierge, Etihad Global Chauffeur, Meet and Assist, and other exclusive perks—ensuring a premium experience from check-in to arrival.

For the African market, this enhanced onboard product provides new opportunities to promote luxury Southeast Asia packages, blending seamless comfort with the allure of exotic destinations. The high standard of Etihad’s hospitality, coupled with convenient flight schedules and premium ground services, can significantly elevate the travel experience for both leisure and corporate clients departing from Africa.

Etihad’s network expansion is not limited to Sumatra and Cambodia. The airline is poised to introduce additional Southeast Asian destinations including Krabi, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong. This robust growth cements Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier stepping stone between Africa and Asia, allowing African travellers to benefit from a wider selection of one-stop connections to some of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

This broader connectivity also promises to reinforce economic ties. With Medan representing a key commercial hub and Phnom Penh emerging as a focal point for regional development, African businesses can now access new markets with greater efficiency. The increased ease of movement for entrepreneurs, investors, and exporters is expected to drive fresh collaborative ventures and foster stronger cross-continental partnerships.

Etihad’s rapid network growth—30 new routes across four continents, including recent announcements of Damascus, Palma de Mallorca, and Zanzibar—reflects its ambition to serve as a vital connector for the modern traveller. For Africa’s travel sector, these developments offer abundant potential to capture new market segments, design innovative itineraries, and stay competitive in a changing global landscape.

As Southeast Asia continues to gain traction as a preferred destination for African travellers, the accessibility afforded by Etihad’s new routes will likely boost two-way tourism, encourage knowledge exchange, and inspire deeper cultural understanding. For travel professionals seeking to anticipate future trends, capitalizing on these new connections could unlock a wealth of opportunities, from curated group tours to bespoke business travel solutions.

In a year where air connectivity is emerging as a critical driver of regional growth, Etihad’s expansion into Medan and Phnom Penh stands out as a transformative milestone. African industry insiders should look to these developments as a signal of the evolving opportunities in cross-continental travel, and a reminder to stay agile in responding to the dynamic preferences of tomorrow’s global explorers.