While Icelandair has been allowing travelers between North America and Europe to "stopover" in Reykjavik since the 1960s, the program truly took off in the last decade when Iceland's status as a popular tourist destination started to soar.
Airlines like Turkish Airways, Tap Air Portugal and Singapore Airlines (SINGF) all followed suit and launched similar programs in which one could add a few days in the airline's country free or at a very discounted price while on the way to somewhere else.
Now Etihad Airways is extending its popular stopover program in Abu Dhabi.
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Back in June, 2022, the airline launched a stopover program in which travelers with a transfer in Abu Dhabi could get a free stay in an economy hotel or a 40% discount at a four- or five-star one.
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The United Arab Emirates-based airline marketed it as a way to "unwind" from travel by visiting famous Abu Dhabi sights such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Formula 1 track on Yas Island.
While this stopover was only a summer promotion, it was popular enough for Etihad to bring it back again for the upcoming fall and winter.
"Whether you’re staying for a few hours or a few nights, you can pick from a choice of packages to stopover in Abu Dhabi between flights," Etihad says in promotional materials for the program.
"Stopover On Us" allows those with a transfer between 12 and 24 hours to be able to book a stay at Premier Inn Abu Dhabi International Airport or Premier Inn Abu Dhabi Capital Centre for free while travelers going to or from China through UAE have an additional package and hotel option.
While the promotion begins now, travel must be booked no later than Dec. 20 and completed by Dec. 31.
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Following the Middle Eastern oil boon, the capital of UAE was built to be a playground for billionaires and as such is an expensive destination for the average traveler.
Etihad Airways is known for being one of the world's most luxurious airlines but, in this case, is positioning the promotion as a way to save oneself an additional trip. As the cost of airfare spikes and is expected to rise by 7.8% for flights between North America and the Middle East by the end of 2023, the offer is a particularly attractive one for those already in the area.
There is also a local interest because stopover programs offered a significant boost to the tourism industry in countries such as Iceland — the UAE has also been working to increase the flow of tourists after the pandemic.
"Whether you’re looking for a short city break or longer beach retreat, a stopover in Abu Dhabi definitely won't disappoint," Etihad promises.
