UAE: Etihad expands aggressively with four international routes launched in just three days

Etihad Airways has accelerated its growth trajectory with the launch of four new international routes over three consecutive days, reaffirming Abu Dhabi ’s status as a central aviation hub . The expansion adds thousands of seats to the airline’s network, linking the UAE more closely with key cities across North Africa and Asia while underpinning the nation’s tourism and trade ambitions.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi as a global hub

In a year already marked by unprecedented expansion, Etihad has inaugurated flights to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong between 1 and 3 November 2025. These launches bring the airline’s network to over 85 destinations worldwide and contribute nearly 45 percent of the UAE’s total aviation growth this year.

The new services are designed to support inbound tourism, facilitate trade, and provide residents and visitors with greater travel flexibility . By opening these corridors, Etihad enables travellers from Africa and Asia to access Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, luxury resorts, beaches, and year-round events with increased ease.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said:
"Each of these destinations adds its own character to our network – from Tunis’s heritage to Hanoi’s vibrancy, Chiang Mai’s charm and Hong Kong’s global energy. Together, they expand options for our guests while bringing more visitors to discover Abu Dhabi – one of the world’s most exciting cities. As we continue to deliver almost half of the UAE’s aviation growth this year, our focus remains on connecting more people, cultures, and opportunities through our home in Abu Dhabi."

New routes and flight details

Tunis – Abu Dhabi (from 1 November 2025, three weekly flights)

• Strengthens Etihad’s North African network and meets growing demand between the UAE and Tunisia.
• Flight EY739 departs Abu Dhabi at 02:20, arriving in Tunis at 06:20 (Tue, Thu, Sat) on an A321LR.
• Return flight EY740 departs Tunis at 10:40, arriving Abu Dhabi at 19:25 (Tue, Thu, Sat).
  

Hanoi – Abu Dhabi (from 2 November 2025, six weekly flights)

• Establishes direct service to Vietnam’s capital for the first time, enhancing trade and tourism links.
• Flight EY430 departs Abu Dhabi at 09:05, arriving Hanoi at 18:10 (Tue, Thu, Sun) on a B787.
• Return flight EY431 departs Hanoi at 20:00, arriving Abu Dhabi at 00:35 (+1) (Tue, Thu, Sun).
• Additional frequencies include EY432/EY433, connecting midweek and weekend services.
  

Chiang Mai – Abu Dhabi (from 3 November 2025, four weekly flights)

• Opens Northern Thailand to travellers from the Middle East and Europe.
• Flight EY426 departs Abu Dhabi at 21:20, arriving Chiang Mai at 06:05 (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun) on an A321LR.
• Return flight EY427 departs Chiang Mai at 08:50, arriving Abu Dhabi at 13:05 (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat).
  

Hong Kong – Abu Dhabi (from 3 November 2025, five weekly flights)

• Reconnects Abu Dhabi with a premier Asian business and leisure hub.
• Relaunches codeshare with Hong Kong Airlines to improve connectivity across Asia.
• Flight EY870 departs Abu Dhabi at 21:15, arriving Hong Kong at 08:30 (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun) on a B787.
• Return flight EY871 departs Hong Kong at 19:35, arriving Abu Dhabi at 00:25 (+1) (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat).
  

Strategic impact

The addition of these four routes underscores Etihad’s pivotal role in the UAE’s aviation landscape. By providing direct connections to cities with vibrant tourism, commercial, and cultural appeal, the airline supports economic growth while enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global accessibility .

Travelers now have a broader array of destinations for both leisure and business, with seamless access to North Africa, Southeast Asia, and East Asia. The expansion complements Etihad’s ongoing mission to connect people and cultures, strengthening the UAE’s position as a gateway to the world.