Etihad Airways (EY) has inaugurated its Airbus A321LR service on the route between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), UAE – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport (CCU), Kolkata. Etihad, which is the third busiest airline in the Middle East in terms of the number of flight hours for September 2025, inaugurated the flight on 24 September 2025, with the first flight (EY222) making its touchdown at 20:35 local time.
Etihad will now operate all eight weekly return services between Abu Dhabi and Kolkata using the A321LR, which is set to bring “a refined luxury experience to the popular Indian route“.
Which aircraft does Etihad use on the Dubai – Kolkata route?
Etihad airline is the flag carrier of the UAE. It operates more than a hundred aircraft, and these have an average age of more than eight years. The oldest aircraft type operated by the carrier (on average) is the Airbus A320, which average 13.3 years. The Airbus A350XWB, the aircraft type that is deployed on some of the longest routes in the world, is Etihad’s youngest aircraft type.
Let’s take a look at the carrier’s fleet:
| Aircraft Type | In Service | Parked | Current Total | Future 2 | Avg. Age | Grand Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320 | 15 | 1 | 16 | 1 | 13.3 Years | 29 |
| Airbus A321 | 18 | – | 18 | 9 | 7.4 Years | 28 |
| Airbus A350 XWB | 8 | – | 8 | 2 | 4.0 Years | 10 |
| Airbus A380 | 7 | 2 | 9 | – | 10.0 Years | 10 |
| Boeing 777 | 13 | 1 | 14 | – | 13.0 Years | 36 |
| Boeing 787 Dreamliner | 45 | 2 | 47 | – | 6.7 Years | 47 |
| Total | 106 | 6 | 112 | 12 | 8.6 Years | 160 |
Photo: planespotters.net
Etihad operates the Airbus A321LR on the Dubai-Kolkata routes. The carrier also uses the same aircraft type to connect Dubai to Athens, Bangkok, Chennai, Copenhagen, Düsseldorf, Kolkata, Milan, Paris, Phuket, Riyadh, Zurich. alongside its newer destinations such as:
- Algiers
- Hanoi
- Phnom Penh
- Chiang Mai
- Tunis
- Krabi
- Medan
Etihad Airways took the delivery of its first Airbus A321LR a few months ago. Etihad’s first A321LR was leased AerCap and according to Airbus, it was “the first of 20 A321LRs scheduled to join Etihad’s fleet“. Here are a few notes on the long range (LR) version of the A321:
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It is powered by the latest-generation engines and advanced aerodynamics, which enable it to fly up to 4,000 nautical miles (6,300 km).
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The aircraft achieves at least 20% lower fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation single-aisle aircraft.
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Like all members of the Airbus A321neo Family, the A321LR is already capable of operating with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
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This capability supports Airbus’ broader ambition to achieve 100% SAF compatibility across its fleet by 2030.
How Etihad configures the A321LR- the aircraft type it uses on the Dubai-Kolkata route
| Cabin Class | Configuration & Features | Seat Width | Pitch / Recline | Screen | Power Options |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First* | 2 private suites (1-1), Stelia Opera SA platform. Fully flat beds, extra footwell space, buddy seat, sliding privacy door. | 22.5″ | – | 20″ 4K touchscreen with Bluetooth | Universal AC, USB-A, USB-C, induction charging |
| Business | 14 reverse-herringbone seats (1-1), Stelia Opera SA platform. Fully flat beds. | 22.5″ | Pitch: 38″ | 17.3″ 4K touchscreen with Bluetooth | Universal AC, USB-A, USB-C, induction charging |
| Economy** | 144 Collins Aerospace Meridian slimline seats (3-3). 4-way headrest, moveable armrests, retractable tablet holder. First 2 rows have Comfort seats with extra legroom. | 18.4″ | Pitch: 34″ (rows 16–20), 30″ (rows 21–38); Recline: 5″ | 13.3″ 4K touchscreen | USB-A, USB-C |
*According to Etihad, “First guests will also benefit from a First ground experience, with chauffeurs, the Etihad Concierge and meet and assist services making travel as effortless as possible“.
** On the Economy Class, “Extensive entertainment from E-Box includes a library of premium films, series and games in multiple languages from Hollywood to Bollywood and more“.
Etihad Kolkata-Abu Dhabi flight details and schedule
| Flight | Departure City | Departure Time | Arrival City | Arrival Time | Frequency | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EY 220 | Abu Dhabi | 20:30 | Kolkata | 03:00+1 | Monday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday | A321LR |
| EY 221 | Kolkata | 04:00 | Abu Dhabi | 07:25 | Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday | A321LR |
| EY 222 | Abu Dhabi | 14:00 | Kolkata | 20:35 | Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | A321LR |
| EY 223 | Kolkata | 21:30 | Abu Dhabi | 00:55+1 | Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday | A321LR |
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, was buoyed with inauguration of the flights, and commented:
India is an important market for Etihad and we’re incredibly proud to be in Kolkata to welcome our newest aircraft, the A321LR, on its inaugural flight to India. Whether choosing our luxurious First Suites, lie-flat Business seats with direct aisle access and a window-view, or our next-generation Economy cabin, our guests will enjoy a superior flying experience in Etihad’s signature style.
Etihad will be conducting eight flights per week between Kolkata and Abu Dhabi.
All in all
Etihad provides its services to 135,000 passengers between Kolkata and Abu Dhabi. Using the A321LR, Etihad operates 183 flights per week to 11 destinations across India.