Etihad Airways has announced a significant expansion of its mainland China network, launching five new routes and adding 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 Zayed International Airport (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).
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.
Cargo connectivity
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.
“The expanded network, made possible by our long-standing partnership with China Eastern, connects unique tourism destinations with burgeoning trading hubs,” asserted HE Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Etihad Airways.
“China is a strategically important market for Etihad and a key pillar of our network growth. This expansion represents a significant increase in capacity and a clear signal of our long-term commitment to the market, “asserted Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways.
