ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways will 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 one flight per week, but from Oct. 25, the frequency will increase to twice weekly. This new route will position Red Sea International as the sixth Saudi destination in Etihad’s network and introduce another nonstop service linking the UAE capital with Saudi Arabia.
The route will be operated using an Airbus A320, which features eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats. Each scheduled flight will have a total of 158 seats. The journey from Abu Dhabi to Red Sea International is expected to take just over three hours. Booking for the service is already open, providing travelers from across Etihad’s extensive network the opportunity to connect through Zayed International Airport to the Saudi Red Sea coast.
Etihad currently serves several Saudi Arabian cities, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim. The addition of Red Sea International will expand its network to a destination that emphasizes coastal and resort tourism. Throughout the year, passengers also travel to Saudi Arabia for business, religious, and family reasons. The airline has noted that travelers from markets in the Gulf and Indian subcontinent can reach the new destination via a single connection through Abu Dhabi.
Red Sea International enhances regional flight connectivity
Having started domestic services in September 2023, Red Sea International Airport welcomed its first international flight in April 2024. The airport added a direct connection to Doha in October 2025. Developed by Red Sea Global, the airport serves as the gateway to The Red Sea tourism hotspot on Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast. This destination features islands, coral reefs, lagoons, mangroves, and mountainous terrains, with resorts located on coastlines and islands.
Red Sea Global, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is also behind the AMAALA tourism project. The company emphasizes that Red Sea International provides access to resorts across The Red Sea development. daa International operates the airport, where travelers can continue their journey via electric vehicle, boat, or seaplane. Additionally, Red Sea Global reports that the airport’s airside operations—including lighting and navigation systems—are powered by renewable energy sources, supporting arriving and departing flights.
Etihad expands its Saudi network with sixth destination
According to Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves, the new route offers travelers a quick flight from Abu Dhabi to explore the islands and reefs of the Red Sea. The airline plans to operate the service year-round instead of a seasonal schedule. Its scheduled increase from one to two flights weekly will occur three weeks after the initial launch. This route will also link Red Sea International with Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi and its wider international network.
The inaugural flight from Etihad to Red Sea International remains set for Oct. 4, 2026, with tickets available for booking. Starting Oct. 25, the twice-weekly service will operate using the same Airbus A320 configuration. With this addition, Etihad will serve six destinations in Saudi Arabia and include the Red Sea coast within its regional routes. The new service provides a direct flight connection between Abu Dhabi and one of Saudi Arabia’s newest international airports.