I recently flew Etihad Airways on the short hop from Riyadh to Abu Dhabi, and I wanted to share my honest experience with you. This is one of the Gulf's most frequently traveled routes, and I was curious to see how the national airline of the UAE would handle this popular corridor. Let me walk you through what I experienced from booking to landing.
Watch the full flight review on the Salman Travel Diaries YouTube channel.
The Journey
Booking the flight was straightforward through Etihad's website. I grabbed an economy seat and paid a reasonable fare for a one-hour flight. The price was competitive compared to other carriers on this route, so I felt I was getting decent value before I even stepped into the airport.
At Riyadh's King Fahd International Airport, check-in was quick and efficient. Etihad had dedicated counters, and the staff moved things along smoothly. Security and immigration went without delays, and I found myself at the gate with plenty of time to spare.
Boarding was organized, and I was seated in 24C, a window seat in the economy cabin. The seat itself was fairly standard, nothing particularly special but functional. The pitch was adequate for such a short flight, though I wouldn't call it spacious. The aircraft was an Airbus A320, clean and well-maintained, which was reassuring.
As we pushed back from the gate, the cabin crew made their safety announcements in both Arabic and English. The professionalism was noticeable. We took off smoothly, and within minutes, we were at cruising altitude over the Arabian Peninsula.
Since this is barely an hour-long flight, there's not much of an in-flight service to speak of. A crew member came by with a beverage and a small snack, which was decent but nothing remarkable. The service was courteous and attentive, though, which stood out positively.
The descent into Abu Dhabi was smooth, and we touched down exactly on schedule. The captain's landing was textbook, and passengers around me seemed satisfied. Getting off the aircraft and collecting bags was straightforward.
Overall, I left feeling that Etihad delivered a solid, no-nonsense flight experience. It wasn't luxurious, but it was reliable and professional throughout.
The Airline: Honest Review
Etihad Airways continues to represent UAE aviation well, even on short regional flights like Riyadh to Abu Dhabi. The Airbus A320 they operated was modern and well-maintained, with a clean cabin and functional seating. The crew demonstrated professionalism and courtesy throughout the flight, answering questions promptly and maintaining good standards of service.
The airline's punctuality on this route is commendable, we arrived on time without any delays or complications. For an economy cabin on a one-hour flight, you shouldn't expect much, and Etihad doesn't oversell the experience. However, what they do offer is consistent quality and reliability.
Value for money is where Etihad really shines on this sector. Their pricing is competitive, and you're getting a reputable carrier with good safety standards and professional operations. The only area that felt slightly underwhelming was the limited in-flight offerings, though that's typical for such a short journey. Etihad positions itself as a premium airline, but on short haul routes, they're essentially a full-service carrier with modest amenities.
Ratings
- Excellent punctuality and on-time performance on this route
- Professional and courteous cabin crew throughout the flight
- Competitive pricing compared to other Gulf carriers on the Riyadh-Abu Dhabi sector
- Clean, well-maintained Airbus A320 with modern aircraft standards
- Efficient check-in and boarding procedures at Riyadh airport
- Limited in-flight amenities and refreshments for economy passengers
- Seat comfort is basic and not particularly spacious for longer regional flights
The Verdict
Etihad Airways is an excellent choice for this Riyadh to Abu Dhabi route if you value reliability, professionalism, and fair pricing. If you're looking for premium amenities or extra legroom, you'll need to upgrade your ticket class. For budget-conscious travelers who want a no-fuss, on-time flight with good service standards, Etihad delivers.
