Etihad Airways considered the World’s Leading Airline by the prestigious World Travel Awards, will substantially boost its Middle Eastern operations next month with the addition of new flights to both Kuwait and Dammam.

Starting from 1 April 2012, Etihad Airways 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.

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.

The new flights will also significantly improve connectivity through the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub to key destinations in the rest of the Middle East, and across Asia, Europe and North America.

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer 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.”

Etihad Airways launched services to Kuwait in July 2006. Dammam was launched in December 2004 and continues to be operated in partnership with Saudi Arabian Airlines.

In addition to serving Dammam, Etihad Airways also offers 13 flights per week to the Saudi Arabian cities of Jeddah and Riyadh.