Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways has inaugurated its first flight from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to Kualanamu International Airport in North Sumatra.
The aircraft, an Airbus A321LR carrying 150 passengers, landed in North Sumatra on the morning of Friday, the 3rd of October. On arrival, passengers and crew were welcomed with a water salute ceremony and a traditional North Sumatran cultural performance.
The new service will operate three times a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Departures from Kualanamu are scheduled for 8.20 AM Western Indonesian Time, while arrivals from Abu Dhabi are scheduled for 6.45 AM local time.
Later on, passengers from Kualanamu Airport will be able to continue their journeys with ease to major cities across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas via Etihad Airways’ extensive global network. The new connection is also expected to provide greater convenience for regular travellers and Umrah pilgrims departing from North Sumatra and neighbouring regions.
“With Etihad Airways’ presence in Kualanamu, we hope that more tourists, Umrah pilgrims, and businesspeople will choose North Sumatra as their primary destination or point of departure. This direct connectivity represents a strategic step in supporting economic and tourism growth in the region,” Yosrizal Syamsuri, Acting President Director of PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi Kualanamu International Airport, said in a press release on Friday.
Deli Serdang Deputy Regent Lom Lom Suwondo expressed pride in the opening of the new route. According to him, the service will create opportunities to showcase the potential of Deli Serdang and North Sumatra on the international stage. He added that opening access to Abu Dhabi would strengthen connections not only in terms of economics and culture, but also in science, education, and civilisation.
“Hopefully, this inaugural flight will mark the beginning of great success. May Etihad Airways continue to flourish, PT Angkasa Pura Aviasi progress further, and Kualanamu Airport gain even greater recognition,” Suwondo stated in a written release on the following Sunday (the 5th of October).
Additionally, Maike Ritonga, Head of the Creative Economy Development and Destination Division at the North Sumatra Provincial Office of Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, remarked that the launch was a historic milestone as it strengthens international connectivity and opens up significant opportunities for tourism, investment, and cultural collaboration.
“This is a positive step towards encouraging growth in tourism and the regional creative economy,” Ritonga added.