ABU DHABI– Etihad Airways (EY) has announced a major expansion of its mainland China network from Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH), introducing five new routes and significantly increasing weekly frequencies across key Chinese gateways.
The expansion will add 28 weekly flights, taking Etihad’s total China operations to 35 weekly services across six destinations, including Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX).
This development strengthens the airline’s long-term strategy to enhance connectivity between the UAE and China while supporting rising demand.
Etihad’s China Network Expansion
Etihad will launch new services from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Chengdu Tianfu (TFU), Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH), and Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX).
Each route will be operated using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, ensuring a consistent widebody product across the expanded network.
The airline will operate seven weekly flights each to Shanghai and Guangzhou, five weekly flights each to Hangzhou and Shenzhen, and four weekly flights to Chengdu.
This schedule strengthens access to China’s financial, technology, and manufacturing hubs, supporting both business and leisure travel demand.
Joint Venture Growth for the UAE and China
The expansion builds on Etihad Airways’ joint venture with China Eastern Airlines, improving coordinated connectivity across major UAE–China routes.
This partnership enhances seamless travel options through Shanghai and other key Chinese gateways.
His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, said that the ties between the UAE and China reflect “enduring strength and growing promise” of the two nations:
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
China Eastern continues to operate services linking Shanghai, Kunming, and Xi’an with the UAE, complementing Etihad’s growing footprint.
Together, both carriers strengthen network efficiency and passenger choice across one of the world’s most important aviation corridors.
Trade Connectivity Boost for Two Nations
The expanded network significantly enhances trade, tourism, and investment flows between the UAE and China. It also supports cargo movement across high-value supply chains linking manufacturing and export-driven regions.
Shanghai strengthens global financial access, while Shenzhen and Hangzhou reinforce the digital economy and technology connectivity. Chengdu and Guangzhou expand coverage into western and southern China’s fast-growing industrial bases.
The deployment of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft ensures fuel efficiency and consistent onboard service across all routes. This supports Etihad’s operational performance while improving passenger comfort on long-haul sectors.
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