At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | Etihad Airways | Qatar Airways | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline category | Full-service | Full-service | Same category, a direct comparison |
| Primary hub | AUH | DOH | Different hubs: pick the one that suits your route |
| Fleet size (approx.) | 90+ aircraft | 230+ aircraft | Larger fleet: Qatar Airways (more route redundancy on cancellation/delay) |
| Global alliance | None (independent) | oneworld | Qatar Airways alliance offers points on partners |
| Founded | 2003 | 1993 | Qatar Airways has the longer operating history |
| Aircraft types in fleet | A380, B787, A350, B777 | A380, B777, A350, B787 | |
| Cabin baggage | 7 kg | 7 kg | |
| In-flight meals | Complimentary meal | Complimentary meal | Same meal policy |
| India customer care number | 0124-298 8450 | 0124-622 8000 |
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
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is the flag carrier of Qatar, based at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Multiple-time winner of Skytrax World's Best Airline. Serves 13+ Indian cities with excellent connections to Europe, Americas, Africa and Southeast Asia.
Fare structure: Economy Lite, Classic, Comfort; Business Lite, Classic, Comfort
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.
You want global alliance miles
Suited to this: Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is part of oneworld: earn miles across 25+ partner airlines. Etihad Airways is independent.
NRI flying India ↔ Gulf
Suited to this: Etihad Airways or Qatar 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 Etihad Airways cheaper than Qatar 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?
Etihad Airways runs an independent loyalty programme; miles are not transferable to other airlines. Qatar Airways's programme is part of oneworld, with the same alliance-wide benefits. For frequent international travellers, alliance membership is the deciding factor.
Which has better refund / cancellation policy, Etihad Airways or Qatar 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 Etihad Airways fly the same routes as Qatar Airways?
Etihad Airways's hub is AUH. Qatar Airways's hub is DOH. Both serve major Indian metros, but their route networks differ: Etihad Airways specialises in connections via AUH, and Qatar Airways connects via DOH. Use HappyFares to see which airline operates your specific city pair.
Can I book both Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways on HappyFares?
Yes. HappyFares lists fares from both Etihad Airways and Qatar 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.