ABU DHABI— Etihad Airways (EY) is set to expand its Saudi Arabian network with a new year-round service to Red Sea International Airport (RSI), connecting Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with Saudi Arabia’s emerging Red Sea tourism destination from October 4, 2026.
The new route will give travelers a direct link to the country’s northwestern coastline in just over three hours. Abu Dhabi-based carrier will initially operate once a week before increasing to two weekly flights from October 25.
The service will use an Airbus A320 configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats, adding a leisure-focused destination to Etihad’s growing Saudi Arabian network.
Etihad Expands Saudi Network With New Routes
The Red Sea will become Etihad’s sixth destination in Saudi Arabia, joining Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Al Qassim.
The expansion strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role as a connecting hub for passengers traveling from the Gulf, Indian subcontinent, and other markets across Etihad’s network.
Unlike conventional coastal destinations that require lengthy ground transfers, Red Sea International Airport is positioned within the tourism development itself.
This location allows passengers to move toward the destination’s resorts soon after arrival, supporting the region’s focus on premium and convenient leisure travel.
Etihad Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the new service would make a destination traditionally associated with long-haul holidays accessible through a short flight from Abu Dhabi.
He also described the Red Sea as a market where the airline wants to establish an early presence as travel demand develops.
Red Sea Tourism Grows Across Saudi Arabia’s Coastline
The Red Sea destination covers about 28,000 square kilometers and includes more than 90 islands, combining beaches, coral reefs, desert landscapes and mountain terrain.
Red Sea Global says the destination is designed around regenerative tourism, with conservation and renewable energy forming part of its development strategy.
Several luxury resorts are already operating across the destination. These include Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Shebara Resort and Six Senses Southern Dunes, while additional properties are planned as development continues.
Red Sea International Airport is also developing its environmental credentials. The airport says it has installed around 760,000 photovoltaic panels and is committed to operating entirely on renewable energy, while it has also introduced sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure.
A320 Flights Begin October With Weekly Service
Etihad will launch the Abu Dhabi–Red Sea service on October 4 with one weekly flight. From October 25, the frequency will increase to two flights per week, with the route continuing on a year-round basis rather than operating only as a seasonal service.
The new connection also creates opportunities for passengers to combine Saudi Arabia with a stay in Abu Dhabi.
Travelers arriving through Etihad’s network can use the UAE capital as a stopover before continuing to the Red Sea, creating a two-destination itinerary within the same trip.
For Etihad, the launch adds a distinctly leisure-oriented destination to a Saudi network that already serves business, family, and religious travel. For travelers, the new route provides another gateway to one of Saudi Arabia’s fastest-developing coastal tourism regions.
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