SINGAPORE—Etihad Airways is expanding its mainland China network, adding five new destinations from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), Hangzhou (HGH) and Shenzhen (SZX), in addition to its existing service to Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).
The airline said it is one of its largest expansions into a single market in recent years.
Daily flights to Shanghai will begin Oct. 1, 2026, followed by daily Guangzhou service starting March 4, 2027. On the same day, the airline will launch 5X weekly flights to Hangzhou, followed by 4x weekly service to Chengdu from March 5 and 5X weekly flights to Shenzhen starting March 7.
Total service to China will increase from 6X to 35X weekly flights.
All routes will be operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft, configured with 28 business-class and 262 economy-class seats.
Etihad said the expansion is supported by its joint venture with China Eastern Airlines, which enables coordinated services across routes between China and the UAE. China Eastern currently operates services linking Shanghai, Kunming and Xi’an with the UAE.
“This increase in capacity reflects the growing strategic importance of the UAE–China corridor, strengthening links across trade, tourism and investment, while positioning Abu Dhabi as a key gateway between China and markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America,” Etihad said.
Related Content
