Etihad Airways has announced a major expansion of its China network, adding five new routes and 28 weekly flights, bringing its total to 35 weekly services across six mainland destinations.
New routes from Abu Dhabi will connect to Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen, complementing the existing Beijing Daxing service. The expansion will roll out between October 2026 and March 2027 using Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The move strengthens Etihad’s joint venture with China Eastern Airlines, improving connectivity between the UAE and key Chinese economic hubs while supporting passenger and cargo flows.
The airline positions the expansion as a strategic investment in the fast-growing UAE–China corridor, enhancing trade, tourism, and global supply chain links, while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a major international gateway.