Etihad has announced a significant expansion of its mainland China network, launching 5 new routes and adding 28 weekly flights, marking one of the airline’s largest single market increases in recent years.
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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).
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.
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.
Each of the 5 destinations plays a distinct role within China’s economic and cultural landscape, strengthening Etihad’s ability to serve a broad mix of passenger and cargo demand:
Shanghai Pudong (PVG) – global financial centre and a major international cargo hub
Guangzhou (CAN) – a key manufacturing and trade gateway in southern China
Chengdu (TFU) – a fast-growing innovation and technology hub in western China
Hangzhou (HGH) – a leading centre for digital economy and e-commerce
Shenzhen (SZX) – a global technology powerhouse and major export market
