Etihad Airways Propels Tourism And Trade With Powerful New International Routes From Abu Dhabi To Tunisia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong And Saudi Arabia

Published on November 16, 2025

Etihad Airways has unveiled a series of new international routes from Abu Dhabi to Tunisia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia, opening key markets for the first time. These strategic connections are designed to stimulate tourism, strengthen trade links, and offer seamless travel for business, leisure, and religious travellers alike.

In a remarkable display of rapid expansion, the airline launched four of these new routes within just three days in early November, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s standing as a leading aviation hub in the UAE. The additions are expected to significantly drive passenger growth, contributing nearly 45% to the nation’s overall aviation traffic increase this year.

The recently inaugurated routes connect Abu Dhabi with key cities across North Africa, Southeast Asia, and East Asia:

• Tunis – Starting 1 November with three weekly flights, this route strengthens Etihad’s North African network and meets rising demand for travel between the UAE and Tunisia.
• Hanoi – Operating six weekly flights from 2 November, the new connection links Abu Dhabi directly to Vietnam’s capital for the first time, enhancing tourism and commercial ties.
• Chiang Mai – Launched on 3 November with four weekly flights, this service opens Northern Thailand to travellers from the Middle East and Europe via Abu Dhabi.
• Hong Kong – Also starting 3 November, five weekly flights reconnect Abu Dhabi with one of Asia’s leading business and leisure hubs, complemented by a codeshare arrangement with a regional airline to improve connectivity across Asia.

With these additions, Etihad’s network now spans more than 85 destinations globally, solidifying its role in connecting the UAE to key markets and driving economic and tourism growth.

Resuming Services to Medina

Etihad has also resumed direct flights to Medina, catering to religious travellers and pilgrims visiting one of the world’s most spiritually significant cities. This service expands the airline’s presence across Saudi Arabia, operating a total of 93 weekly flights to five key cities, including four daily flights to major hubs and three weekly services to secondary destinations. The Medina route addresses growing demand for seamless access to the Kingdom’s holy sites and reinforces Etihad’s commitment to facilitating religious travel.

Expanding Global Footprint

The launch of Medina and the four new international routes highlight a broader expansion strategy. Over the past year, Etihad has introduced 31 new destinations, extending its reach across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Recent additions include flights to destinations in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, reflecting the airline’s ambition to diversify its network and enhance connectivity for passengers worldwide.

Future growth is also planned, with a new service to Kabul set to commence in mid-December 2025, further expanding the airline’s regional and international presence.

Operational Milestones and Passenger Growth

Etihad now operates 300 scheduled passenger flights daily, marking one of its busiest periods in history. This expansion has been supported by increased fleet capacity and the rapid introduction of new routes. In September 2025, the airline carried 1.9 million passengers, representing a 21% rise compared with the previous year, and maintained a strong 89% load factor. Over the first nine months of 2025, the airline has transported 16.1 million passengers, an 18% increase year-on-year, reflecting sustained demand and effective route management.

The airline’s aggressive growth strategy demonstrates its role as a major catalyst for tourism and trade in the UAE, connecting travellers to emerging and established destinations worldwide. By expanding its network, Etihad not only enhances accessibility but also strengthens Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a strategic gateway for international travel and commerce.

Etihad Airways launches powerful new routes from Abu Dhabi to Tunisia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia, boosting tourism, trade, and seamless global connectivity for business, leisure, and pilgrim travellers.

With these new international routes, Etihad Airways continues to solidify Abu Dhabi’s role as a global aviation hub, driving tourism, trade, and economic growth. The airline’s strategic expansion not only enhances connectivity across key markets but also reinforces its position as a leading carrier linking the UAE to destinations worldwide.