Etihad Airways is making a major move to strengthen its presence in mainland China, announcing the launch of five new routes and an increase of 28 weekly flights.
This Etihad Airways’ expansion marks one of the airline’s most significant market boosts in recent years.
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.
Strategic Growth in UAE-China Corridor
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. It also strengthens cargo connectivity across critical manufacturing and export hubs, supporting global supply chains and high-value trade flows.
Etihad Airways’ Collaboration with China Eastern Airlines and SF Airlines
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.
The expansion is further supported by Etihad’s cargo joint venture with SF Airlines, strengthening air freight connectivity and supporting the movement of goods across key trade corridors between China and global markets.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa Chairman Etihad Airways
“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 that, “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, while creating new opportunities for cargo, business, and tourism. 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,” the Etihad Airways CEO added.
