Sydney and Melbourne Tourism Soar as Etihad Converts All Australian Routes with Double-Daily Sydney Ambitions: All You Need to Know

Published on December 14, 2025

Sydney and Melbourne tourism are set for enhanced premium connectivity as Etihad Airways accelerates its fleet upgrade, converting all Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights to the Airbus A350-1000 ahead of schedule and targeting double-daily service across the route. The transition eliminates Boeing 777 operations from Australian skies entirely, replacing them with Etihad’s newest, most efficient wide body featuring expanded premium seating. Currently operating ten A350 flights weekly from Sydney, including double-daily on peak days, the airline plans to expand to fourteen weekly rotations year-round as additional aircraft enter service.

This capacity boost strengthens Australia-UAE tourism links, positioning Sydney and Melbourne as key gateways for premium travelers heading to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and beyond, while enhancing connectivity for business and leisure flows.

Sydney-Abu Dhabi becomes Etihad’s all-A350 showcase route

Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport now hosts exclusively A350-1000 operations to Abu Dhabi, delivering a twenty percent increase in premium cabin capacity since the aircraft type debuted on the route in early October 2025. The quieter, fuel-efficient jet offers superior comfort across all classes, with expanded business and first suites that cater to high-yield leisure and corporate demand. Etihad’s accelerated rollout responds to strong bookings for these premium products, ensuring Australian travellers experience the airline’s latest innovations from day one.

For Sydney tourism, the upgrade facilitates smoother connections to Middle Eastern hubs, boosting long-haul itineraries that combine Australian beach holidays with UAE luxury stops and onward travel to Europe and Asia.

Double-daily Sydney service targets year-round demand

Etihad’s ambition for double-daily Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights every day represents a major commitment to Australia’s largest city, moving beyond seasonal peaks to consistent high-frequency service. The current schedule already includes double-daily operations on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, providing flexibility for weekend escapes and mid-week business travel. Full implementation awaits additional A350 deliveries but signals confidence in sustained demand from both leisure and corporate segments.

This expansion elevates Sydney’s status in Etihad’s global network, potentially increasing transit traffic through Abu Dhabi and supporting tourism packages that link Sydney’s harbour views with UAE desert adventures and cultural landmarks.

Melbourne maintains strong 787-9 presence with upgrades

While Sydney leads the A350 transition, Melbourne Airport continues with daily Boeing 787-9 service to Abu Dhabi, featuring refreshed business suites scheduled for early 2026 deployment. The Dreamliner’s efficiency suits Melbourne’s strong demand profile, maintaining reliable connectivity for Victoria’s tourism and business markets. Etihad’s dual-aircraft strategy across Australia’s two largest cities maximizes premium capacity without sacrificing frequency.

Melbourne tourism benefits from consistent service to the UAE, enabling seamless access to Middle Eastern events, stopovers and connections that enhance the city’s appeal as a gateway to Tasmania, the Great Ocean Road and wine regions.

Boeing 777 exits Australian routes entirely

The complete phase-out of Boeing 777-300ER service across Australia marks a pivotal fleet modernisation milestone for Etihad. Previously deployed on high-demand routes, the older trijets have been fully replaced by younger, more efficient twinjets that deliver superior passenger comfort, lower emissions and better economics. This transition aligns with global aviation trends favoring next-generation widebodies for long-haul premium travel.

For Australian tourism, the change guarantees consistently modern onboard experiences, potentially raising service satisfaction scores and encouraging more travellers to choose Etihad for journeys connecting Australia with the Middle East, Europe and beyond.

Premium cabin demand drives accelerated upgrades

Etihad’s decision to fast-track the Sydney A350 conversion responds directly to surging bookings in business and first class, where Australian travellers increasingly prioritize privacy, lie-flat seats and elevated dining. The A350-1000’s configuration expands these high-margin cabins by twenty percent, enabling the airline to capture growing demand from corporate executives, high-net-worth leisure travelers and premium group bookings.

This focus strengthens Sydney and Melbourne’s premium tourism positioning, attracting delegates for conferences, luxury shoppers and affluent families who value superior onboard products when bridging Australia with global destinations via Abu Dhabi.

Tourism impact: enhanced Australia-UAE connectivity

Etihad’s all-A350 Australian network and double-daily Sydney ambitions significantly elevate Sydney and Melbourne tourism by improving access to the UAE’s luxury resorts, cultural sites and transit hubs. Enhanced premium capacity supports high-value segments like MICE tourism, incentive travel and family premium holidays, while quieter cabins enhance long-haul comfort for economy passengers.

The upgrades position Australia as a priority market within Etihad’s growth strategy, potentially spurring reciprocal tourism flows as UAE travelers discover Sydney Harbour, Melbourne laneways and the Great Barrier Reef through seamless connections. Overall fleet modernization reinforces confidence in Etihad’s Australian commitment, driving sustained traffic growth and diversified visitor profiles.

Image Credit: Etihad Airways