ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates— Etihad Airways announced a major expansion of its mainland China network, adding five new routes and 28 weekly flights in one of its largest single-market increases in recent years.
The UAE’s national airline will operate new services from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Shenzhen, bringing its total mainland China operations to 35 weekly flights across six destinations. The network includes its existing daily service to Beijing Daxing.
All flights will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, configured with 28 business class and 262 economy seats.
The expansion underscores the growing strategic importance of the UAE-China corridor, strengthening links in trade, tourism and investment while positioning Abu Dhabi as a gateway connecting China with markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.
The additional capacity is expected to enhance passenger travel and cargo movement between the two countries, improving access to China’s major commercial, industrial and technology hubs and supporting global supply chains.
The routes will operate as part of Etihad’s joint venture with China Eastern Airlines, enabling coordinated services and improved connectivity. China Eastern currently operates routes linking Shanghai, Kunming and Xi’an with the UAE.
Etihad’s cargo joint venture with SF Airlines will further support freight connectivity, particularly across key manufacturing and export centers.
“The ties between the UAE and China continue to flourish, with today’s announcement reflecting the strength and growing promise of our cooperation,” said Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of Etihad Airways.
Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said China remains a key growth market for the airline.
“This expansion represents a significant increase in capacity and a clear signal of our long-term commitment,” Neves said. “By adding new destinations and frequencies, we are strengthening connectivity across one of the world’s most important economic corridors.”
The new routes will launch in phases beginning October 2026, with Shanghai starting daily service, followed by Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu in March 2027.
Each destination serves a strategic role, from Shanghai’s status as a global financial and cargo hub to Shenzhen’s position as a major technology and export center.
The expansion significantly broadens Etihad’s footprint in China, offering travelers greater access to key cities through Abu Dhabi while supporting the emirate’s long-term economic growth strategy.