Etihad Airways Begins Red Sea Coast Flights from October 2026

New Direct Service to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea

Etihad Airways is set to launch direct flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast, commencing October 4, 2026. This new route will initially operate once per week, with the frequency increasing to two flights weekly from October 25, 2026.

The service aims to provide year-round access to this developing leisure destination, known for its coastal escapes, beaches, and resorts. The airline will deploy an Airbus A320 aircraft to service the new connection, establishing a direct link between the United Arab Emirates capital and the emerging Saudi Arabian holiday region.

Aircraft Configuration and Flight Schedule

The Airbus A320 aircraft designated for the Abu Dhabi–Red Sea route is configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats, as stated by Etihad Airways. Flights are scheduled for a morning departure from Abu Dhabi, with an early afternoon arrival at the Red Sea destination.

This timing is designed to offer convenient travel options for passengers, particularly those connecting from across the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent. The direct service is intended to streamline travel plans, making the new Saudi Arabian holiday destination more accessible.

Expanding Etihad's Saudi Arabian Network

The Red Sea will become Etihad Airways' sixth destination within Saudi Arabia, complementing its existing services to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim. This expansion further solidifies the airline's presence in what it considers a significant regional market.

Saudi Arabia consistently attracts passengers travelling for business, family visits, and religious purposes throughout the year. The introduction of the Red Sea route diversifies Etihad's offerings in the kingdom, adding a dedicated leisure and holiday focus to its established network.

Implications for Regional Travellers

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that the new route transforms a type of holiday typically requiring long-haul travel—featuring islands, reefs, and relaxation—into a short flight from Abu Dhabi.

This development significantly benefits travellers from the broader Asian region, especially those in the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent, by offering easier access to a new luxury leisure destination.

The direct connection is expected to stimulate tourism to Saudi Arabia's developing coastal areas, providing more options for short-haul getaways and integrated resort experiences. This strategic move by Etihad caters to evolving traveller preferences for novel, accessible holiday spots in the region.