I know this has been rehashed here multiple times, I was just curious if anyone had any insight into why connecting flights often cheaper than direct flights to Abu Dhabi. Perhaps it is because someone who needs a direct flight to Abu Dhabi won't really have many options, but someone who only needs to connect somewhere to go to India can have their pick of multiple Middle Eastern or European carriers.

Eg a flight from New York to Abu Dhabi is $7000 one way in business, if I do it to Mumbai either the same day or a day or two later, it goes down to $5000. I was thinking of booking a classic business flight to Abu Dhabi, and a flexible fare to Mumbai (if it's possible to do two different fare classes on the same ticket) and canceling the Mumbai sector once I reach Abu Dhabi for a full refund of that sector.


I can't really find a justification for a one way practically equalling the cost of a round trip though. I wish they were more transparent about the pricing, eg for Southwest, each sector is priced independently, it doesn't matter if it is a one way or round trip, each sector's cost will be the same either way you book.

For example, a one way economy flight from New York to Mumbai is $1000 in Economy saver. If I book it as a round trip in saver, it goes down to $600 each way, or if in saver on the outbound and flexible on the return, it becomes $600+1500=$2100. I thought of booking like this and canceling the return sector once I reach Mumbai, and getting the $1500 back.

Any one know if these ideas would work, if Etihad will refuse a refund as they are partially flown, or throw up other complications? Thanks