Etihad Deploys its New A321LR to This Indian City

ABU DHABI- Kolkata marked a new milestone in its aviation connectivity with the arrival of Etihad Airways (EY) operating its latest Airbus A321LR on the inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi (AUH). Etihad’s service to Kolkata was launched on September 26, 2025.

The deployment of Airbus A321LR represents the first deployment of the airline’s new narrowbody aircraft in India. The introduction of this aircraft type on this route makes Kolkata the first Indian city to receive services from this aircraft.

Photo: Etihad

Etihad’s Expansion to Kolkata

India is one of Etihad’s largest international markets. The airline currently operates flights to several major Indian cities, and the deployment of the Airbus A321LR marks a significant upgrade in terms of efficiency and passenger amenities.

The long-range capability of the A321LR allows the airline to serve destinations like Kolkata directly from Abu Dhabi without compromising on comfort, noted the carrier:

Kolkata, the capital and largest city of the West Bengal state, is an important gateway to India, with Etihad carrying more than 135k passengers annually between the city and Abu Dhabi…..welcoming visitors from around the world to explore the city’s rich heritage and artistic energy.

This strategic move comes as air travel between India and the Middle East continues to grow. Etihad is positioning itself to capture increasing passenger demand by offering state-of-the-art aircraft on routes where both leisure and business travelers seek greater comfort and reliability.

Etihad Economy Class | Photo: Etihad

Etihad’s Airbus A321LR

The A321LR is equipped with the latest cabin interiors, offering a two-class configuration with 16 seats in business class and 168 in economy. Business class passengers benefit from lie-flat seating, improved privacy, and upgraded dining options.

Economy travelers enjoy ergonomically designed seats, personal entertainment screens, and USB power outlets. The aircraft’s efficiency is also noteworthy.

Powered by advanced engines and featuring additional fuel tanks, the A321LR can fly longer distances with reduced emissions, aligning with Etihad’s sustainability initiatives.

With convenient schedules and seamless connections, the route is expected to appeal to both point-to-point travelers and those connecting onward.

India remains a critical market for Etihad, and the introduction of new-generation aircraft ensures the airline remains competitive against regional rivals.

Etihad Economy Class | Photo: Etihad

Bottom Line

During the inaugural flight to Kolkata was well-received, with industry observers noting Etihad’s investment in modernizing its fleet for Indian operations.

The airline emphasized that passengers would benefit from improved comfort and connectivity, while the operational efficiency of the A321LR supports long-term sustainability goals.

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News

The post Etihad Deploys its New A321LR to This Indian City appeared first on Aviation A2Z.