ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence year-round flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport starting on Oct. 4, 2026. Initially, the airline will operate a single flight per week, but from Oct. 25, this frequency will increase to two flights each week. This new route will position Red Sea International as the sixth Saudi destination in Etihad’s route network and will also introduce a direct nonstop link from the UAE capital to Saudi Arabia.
On this route, Etihad plans to deploy an Airbus A320 aircraft, equipped with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats, offering a total of 158 seats per scheduled flight. The travel time between Abu Dhabi and Red Sea International is expected to be slightly over three hours. Tickets for the service are already available, enabling passengers from across Etihad’s broader network to connect through Zayed International Airport to reach the Saudi Red Sea coast.
Currently, Etihad’s Saudi routes include Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Al Qassim. The addition of Red Sea International broadens the airline’s network to include a destination that primarily caters to coastal and resort tourism. Throughout the year, Etihad also transports passengers traveling to Saudi Arabia for business, family visits, and religious purposes. The airline noted that travelers from markets such as the Gulf and Indian subcontinent can reach the new destination with just a single connection via Abu Dhabi.
Red Sea International broadens regional air connectivity
Having started domestic operations in September 2023 and launching its first international flight in April 2024, Red Sea International Airport later added a direct route to Doha in October 2025. Developed by Red Sea Global, the airport serves as the main aviation gateway to The Red Sea tourism area located on Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, which features islands, coral reefs, lagoons, mangroves, and mountainous regions with resorts scattered across coastal and island locations.
A subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Red Sea Global is also responsible for the development of the AMAALA tourism project. The company states that Red Sea International supports access to resorts within The Red Sea development. Operated by daa International, the airport facilitates passenger transfer via electric vehicle, boat, or seaplane. Moreover, Red Sea Global highlights that the airport’s operations are powered by renewable energy, including lighting and navigation systems essential for arriving and departing aircraft.
Etihad adds a sixth destination within Saudi Arabia
Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves mentioned that the new route offers travelers a quick flight from Abu Dhabi to explore the islands and reefs of the Red Sea, emphasizing that the airline plans to operate this route year-round rather than seasonally. The planned increase from one to two weekly flights will take effect three weeks after the initial service begins. This route will also serve as a connection between Red Sea International, Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub, and its extensive global network.
The inaugural Etihad flight to Red Sea International is scheduled for Oct. 4, 2026, with bookings already available. The twice-weekly service will commence on Oct. 25, utilizing the same Airbus A320 aircraft configuration. With this launch, Etihad will serve six destinations across Saudi Arabia and will include the Red Sea coast in its regional route network. The new service will establish a direct air link between Abu Dhabi and one of Saudi Arabia’s most recently opened international airports.