The Abu Dhabi-based carrier said in a statement issued at the Singapore Air Show that it was adding Chennai, Jaipur, Kolkata and Kozhikode -- the latter two formerly known as Calcutta and Calicut respectively -- to its global network.

The decision follows successful bi-lateral talks earlier this week between the governments of the United Arab Emirates and India aimed at further liberalising flying links between the two countries.

Etihad said it had still to decide the launch date for the services.