Etihad Airways Expands in China with New Routes and More Flights

Etihad Airways has significantly expanded its mainland China network with five new routes and additional 28 weekly flights, marking one of the airline’s largest single market increases in recent years.

The expansion will see Etihad operate services from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (TFU), Hangzhou (HGH) and Shenzhen (SZX), bringing its total operation in mainland China to 35 weekly flights across six destinations, including its existing daily service to Beijing Daxing (PKX).

All services will be operated by Etihad’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet, configured with 28 Business and 262 Economy seats, ensuring a consistent widebody product across the expanded China network.

This increase in capacity reflects the growing strategic importance of the UAE–China corridor, strengthening links across trade, tourism and investment, while positioning Abu Dhabi as a key gateway between China and markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.

The expanded network will significantly enhance the movement of passengers and goods between the two countries, while increasing access to China’s major commercial, industrial and technology centres. It also strengthens cargo connectivity across critical manufacturing and export hubs, supporting global supply chains and high-value trade flows.

All routes will be part of Etihad’s joint venture with China Eastern Airlines, enhancing passenger connectivity between the UAE and China. The joint venture provides coordinated services across key gateways, with China Eastern currently operating routes between Shanghai, Kunming and Xi’an and the UAE.

The expansion is further supported by Etihad’s cargo joint venture with SF Airlines, strengthening air freight connectivity and supporting the movement of goods across key trade corridors between China and global markets.