Medan International Airport (Indonesia) Secures New Global Link as Etihad Airways Announces Services
"New Etihad flights set to boost North Sumatra’s tourism and trade growth."
A New Gateway Opens Between Medan and the World
Medan, Kualanamu International Airport (KNO), operated by a Joint Venture between GMR Airports (India) and Angkasa Pura Indonesia, is proud to announce a major milestone: Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, will launch direct flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Medan (KNO) starting 2 October 2025.
Operating three times a week, this strategic new route marks the first-ever scheduled service connecting Medan with Abu Dhabi, unlocking seamless access to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and North America via Etihad’s global hub.
Strategic Importance for Connectivity
This launch represents a significant boost to Medan’s and North Sumatra’s global reach:
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Enhanced Connectivity: Travelers from North Sumatra can now easily access major cities including London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Rome, Cairo, and New York with one convenient stop in Abu Dhabi.
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Business & Trade Growth: The new connection offers North Sumatra’s industries—including palm oil, rubber, coffee, and textiles—greater access to Middle Eastern, European, and African markets.
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Inbound Tourism Potential: Direct flights make it even easier for international tourists to explore North Sumatra’s treasures — including Lake Toba (a UNESCO Global Geopark), Bukit Lawang's Orangutan sanctuaries, the Nias Island's surfing destinations, and Medan’s rich cultural heritage.
Expected Economic Impact
The introduction of Etihad’s Abu Dhabi–Medan service is expected to deliver strong economic benefits:
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Increased tourist arrivals to North Sumatra from Europe and the Middle East.
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Boost in foreign investment and trade partnerships fueled by easier air access.
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Creation of direct and indirect jobs across aviation, hospitality, transport, and tourism sectors.
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Higher cargo capacity, supporting exports of key North Sumatran goods to global markets.
A Collaborative Achievement
The successful realization of this route is the result of close collaboration between Etihad Airways, Kualanamu International Airport, and key regional stakeholders such as tourism authorities.
This achievement reflects the ongoing commitment to position Medan as an emerging gateway to Southeast Asia and to promote North Sumatra as a high-potential destination for tourism and investment.
About the Service
| Route | Frequency | Launch Date | Departure Time (LT) | Arrival Time (LT) | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi (AUH) ➔ Medan (KNO) | 3 x weekly (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) | 2 October 2025 | 20:45 (AUH) | 06:45 +1 day (KNO) | Airbus A321LR |
| Medan (KNO) ➔ Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 3 x weekly (Wednesday, Friday, Sunday) | 3 October 2025 | 08:55 (KNO) | 12:50 (AUH) | Airbus A321LR |
Passengers will enjoy Etihad’s award-winning hospitality, state-of-the-art cabin experience, and seamless global connections through Abu Dhabi’s modern hub.
Book your journey to Medan today at www.etihad.com — just search for “Medan” as your destination!
A Message to the World: "Say Hello to Medan & North Sumatra"
With its new direct connection, Medan invites the world to experience its vibrant culture, pristine nature, and limitless opportunities.
We warmly welcome Etihad Airways and look forward to forging a new era of growth, friendship, and shared success between North Sumatra and the world.
Fly Beyond Borders. Fly Etihad. Visit Medan & North Sumatra