10 hot summer trips you can fly to nonstop from Charlotte
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From left: Trevi Fountain in Rome, aerial view of Guadalajara cathedral, Parthenon in Athens, Eiffel Tower in Paris, Abu Dhabi skyline and Jackson Hole, Wyo. Photos: Seyit Konyali/Anadolu via Getty Images; Simon Barber - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images; Ashley Mahoney/Axios ; Stefano Guidi/Getty Images; Vidhyaa Chandramohan/Bloomberg via Getty Images; Natalie Behring/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Charlotte's expanding list of direct routes means less time in transit and more time actually on vacation.
Driving the news: Starting this March, Charlotte's getting a direct flight to Abu Dhabi. Here's everything you need to know about the new Etihad Airways flight, plus 10 popular nonstop flights out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The latest: Etihad Airways begins flying out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport on March 20, 2026. The new nonstop route will be the airline's sixth destination in the United States, Alpna Mathews, Etihad's regional general manager for the Americas, tells Axios.
What to expect: Flights from Charlotte will be operated on a Boeing 787-9, seating around 300 passengers, including business class and more than 250 economy seats.
- Passengers will also clear U.S. customs in Abu Dhabi before flying home. "To me, that's priceless," Mathews says.
- Travelers can also take advantage of the airline's stopover program, which includes a complimentary two-night stay in Abu Dhabi, Mathews says.
What we're watching: Etihad's 2030 plan includes doubling both its global network and aircraft fleet. Airline executives also hope to leverage Charlotte's growth as a leisure and business destination.
Zoom out: Whether you're craving Abu Dhabi, a Euro summer, something stateside or another international option, we've got you covered. Here are 10 destinations with direct flights from Charlotte.
Editor's note: Unless otherwise noted, flights are operated by American Airlines.
International
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Why we love it: This is the furthest nonstop flight from CLT. Explore the desert, hit the beach, marvel at world-class museums or take the family to a theme park.
- Airport: Zayed International Airport (AUH)
- Estimated flight time: 13 hours 15 minutes
- Airline: Etihad Airways
Athens, Greece
Why we love it: Walk through ancient ruins, go on a food tour or use Athens as a jumping-off point to explore the Greek islands.
- Airport: Athens Airport; ATH
- Estimated flight time: 10 hours 35 minutes
- Seasonal: May through October.
Guadalajara, Mexico
Why we love it: From hosting FIFA World Cup matches this summer to its food and festival scene, there's plenty to explore.
- Airport: Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL)
- Airline: Volaris Airlines
- Estimated flight duration: 4 hours and 5 minutes
London, England
Why we love it: London is always calling. Walk along the River Thames, catch a West End show and shop at Harrods.
- Airport: Heathrow (LHR)
- Estimated flight duration: 7 hours 50 minutes
Paris, France
Why we love it: Marvel at the Eiffel Tower. Visit the Louvre Museum. It's Paris; you won't run out of ideas.
- Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
- Estimated flight duration: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Seasonal: March-October
Rome, Italy
Why we love it: The Eternal City is what dreams are made of. Grab your passport, get ready for gelato and breathtaking sites like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.
- Airport: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- Estimated flight duration: 9 hours 15 minutes
- Seasonal: March-November
Domestic
Boston, Mass.
Why we love it: Step into American history as the country celebrates its 250th birthday. Plus, Boston is hosting FIFA World Cup matches this summer.
- Airport: Boston-Logan International Airport (BOS)
- Airlines: American, Delta and Spirit
- Estimated flight duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Go deeper: Newcomers guide to Boston
Bozeman, Mont.
Why we love it: Zipline, hike, whitewater raft, go horseback riding, or just soak in the mountain views.
- Airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
- Estimated flight duration: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Seasonal: May - September
Buffalo, N.Y.
Why we love it: This one is for waterfall lovers: Every second, 3,160 tons of water flow over Niagara Falls.
- Airport: Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
- Estimated flight duration: 1 hour 50 minutes
Jackson Hole, Wyo.
Why we love it: If your goal is to touch grass this summer, this is the place. Lace up your hiking boots and take in the views at Grand Teton National Park.
- Airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
- Estimated flight duration: 4 hours 18 minutes
- Seasonal: May - October
