Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has sealed a strategic codeshare agreement with Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in New Delhi, India.
Currently serving over 90 destinations worldwide, the agreement reinforces Etihad’s network expansion strategy. This move enables its customers to connect seamlessly to key Japanese cities such as Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei, while providing STARLUX passengers with direct access to Etihad’s European network via Abu Dhabi.
The partnership will reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a gateway between East and West. From 7 September 2025, Etihad will provide daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei, operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The new route also lays the groundwork for codeshare agreement, cementing Taipei’s position as a gateway for Etihad’s expansion into Northeast Asia.
Etihad customers booking through etihad.com and the airline’s mobile app can enjoy streamlined travel with single-ticket bookings, coordinated check-in processes, and automatic baggage transfers to final destinations across STARLUX’s Asia-Pacific network.
In addition, the partnership paves the way for STARLUX passengers to reach European destinations such as Prague, Madrid, and Barcelona via Abu Dhabi.
Furthermore, both airlines will launch joint marketing initiatives in Taiwan and develop a reciprocal frequent flyer program by year-end, allowing Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles across both networks.
Arik De Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer – Etihad Airways
“This partnership with STARLUX Airlines opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan’s key business and leisure destinations through Taipei. STARLUX Airlines’ reputation for premium service aligns perfectly with our standards, and together we’re offering travelers more choice and convenience when connecting across three continents.”
Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer of STARLUX Airlines, added that, “Our partnership with Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in STARLUX Airlines’ global expansion, laying the foundation for future European routes. As one of the Middle East’s leading carriers, Etihad is globally recognized for its innovation and premium service—values that strongly align with the STARLUX brand. By leveraging Abu Dhabi’s role as a major hub, this codeshare allows us to rapidly extend our network into Europe, offering passengers a wider range of travel options. We also look forward to deepening collaboration on mileage accrual and premium services to ensure an exceptional experience for customers.”
This partnership highlights Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a premium transit destination, providing travelers with cutting-edge facilities at Zayed International Airport and the option to extend layovers with Etihad’s complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover program.
81st IATA AGM, held in India, served as a thriving platform for global aviation leaders to explore the industry’s future amid economic, geopolitical, and environmental challenges.
