Etihad strengthens its presence in China

The expansion will see Etihad operate services from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), Hangzhou (HGH) and Shenzhen (SZX), bringing its total operation in mainland China to 35 weekly flights across six destinations, including its existing daily service to Beijing Daxing (PKX).

All services will be operated by Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, configured with 28 Business and 262 Economy seats, ensuring a consistent widebody product across the expanded China network.

Strengthening position in China
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.

The expanded network will significantly enhance the movement of passengers and goods between the two countries, while increasing access to China’s major commercial, industrial and technology centres.

All routes will be part of Etihad’s joint venture with China Eastern Airlines, enhancing passenger connectivity between the UAE and China. The joint venture provides coordinated services across key gateways, with China Eastern currently operating routes between Shanghai, Kunming and Xi’an and the UAE.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, said: “The ties between the UAE and China continue to flourish, with today’s announcement reflecting the enduring strength and growing promise of our cooperation. The expanded network, made possible by our long-standing partnership with China Eastern, connects unique tourism destinations with burgeoning trading hubs, delivering shared and lasting economic prosperity and value to our people.”

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “China is a strategically important market for Etihad and a key pillar of our network growth. This expansion represents a significant increase in capacity and a clear signal of our long-term commitment to the market.

“By adding five new destinations and increasing frequencies, we are strengthening connectivity across one of the world’s most important economic corridors. This will support growing demand for travel and trade. At the same time, we are strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a key destination and gateway for travel and trade, supporting the emirate’s long-term economic ambitions.”

Each of the five destinations plays a distinct role within China’s economic and cultural landscape, strengthening Etihad’s ability to serve a broad mix of passenger and cargo demand.

New route summary
Route Destination Frequency (weekly) Launch Date
AUH – PVG Shanghai Pudong 7 1 October 2026
AUH – CAN Guangzhou 7 4 March 2027
AUH – HGH Hangzhou 5 4 March 2027
AUH – SZX Shenzhen 5 7 March 2027
AUH – TFU Chengdu 4 5 March 2027
In another development, Etihad will introduce its flagship A380 to Bangkok for the first time this coming October, bringing The Residence, the world’s only three-room suite in the sky, to Thailand and significantly increasing capacity on one of its most popular leisure routes. The A380 will operate on Etihad evening Bangkok service.