At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | Emirates | Etihad Airways | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline category | Full-service | Full-service | Same category, a direct comparison |
| Primary hub | DXB | AUH | Different hubs: pick the one that suits your route |
| Fleet size (approx.) | 260+ aircraft | 90+ aircraft | Larger fleet: Emirates (more route redundancy on cancellation/delay) |
| Global alliance | None (independent) | None (independent) | Neither is in a global alliance |
| Founded | 1985 | 2003 | Emirates has the longer operating history |
| Aircraft types in fleet | A380, B777-300ER, B777-200LR | A380, B787, A350, B777 | |
| Cabin baggage | 7 kg | 7 kg | |
| In-flight meals | Complimentary meal | Complimentary meal | Same meal policy |
| India customer care number | 0124-298 4444 | 0124-298 8450 |
About Emirates
Emirates is the UAE's flag carrier based in Dubai, operating one of the world's largest long-haul fleets, including all 118 of the world's active Airbus A380s. Connects India to 90+ destinations worldwide through its Dubai hub.
Fare structure: Saver, Flex, Flex Plus (economy); Business Saver, Business, Business Flex
About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways is the national carrier of the UAE, based in Abu Dhabi. Operates flights from 8 Indian cities to Abu Dhabi and beyond, with strong connections to Europe, North America, and Africa.
Fare structure: Economy Value, Classic, Flex; Business Saver, Classic, Flex
Who each airline suits
You want the lowest headline fare
Suited to this: Either: compare same-day fares
Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares for your route and date.
NRI flying India ↔ Gulf
Suited to this: Emirates or Etihad Airways, both full-service
Gulf carriers (Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad) all offer competitive Gulf-India fares with hub stopovers. Pick based on your closest Gulf city, your loyalty programme membership, and connection time at the hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is Emirates cheaper than Etihad Airways?
It depends on the route and the date. Compare the two on your route and dates on HappyFares to see live fares. Both carriers are in the same fare class, so compare the total for what you need.
Which has the better frequent flyer programme?
Emirates runs an independent loyalty programme; miles are not transferable to other airlines. Etihad Airways runs an independent loyalty programme. For frequent international travellers, alliance membership is the deciding factor.
Which has better refund / cancellation policy, Emirates or Etihad Airways?
Both follow DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part IV, so the regulator-mandated framework is identical. For Cancel-for-Any-Reason refunds regardless of fare rules, HappyFares Smart Saver add-on covers either airline.
Does Emirates fly the same routes as Etihad Airways?
Emirates's hub is DXB. Etihad Airways's hub is AUH. Both serve major Indian metros, but their route networks differ: Emirates specialises in connections via DXB, and Etihad Airways connects via AUH. Use HappyFares to see which airline operates your specific city pair.
Can I book both Emirates and Etihad Airways on HappyFares?
Yes. HappyFares lists fares from both Emirates and Etihad Airways (along with every other major airline operating Indian routes). The same pricing applies to both: taxes included in the fare shown, zero convenience fee on domestic flights with code HFNCF, an itemised fare breakdown and no pre-ticked add-ons. Compare and book either carrier in the same booking flow.