ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence year-round flights connecting Abu Dhabi to the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia starting on Oct. 4, 2026. The route will link Zayed International Airport with Red Sea International Airport located in Tabuk Province. Initially, Etihad will operate one flight per week, increasing to two weekly services from Oct. 25. The journey duration is just over three hours, marking the addition of a sixth Saudi destination within Etihad’s network.
The airline will operate the new route using an Airbus A320 configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats. Etihad has stated that travelers from its network can reach the Red Sea with a single connection through Abu Dhabi, facilitating access for passengers arriving from regions across the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent. Ticket sales are currently available through Etihad’s booking platform for travel starting from the launch date. This route joins the existing Saudi network, which includes Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim.
The new connection offers a direct link between Abu Dhabi and a Saudi coastal destination that has enhanced its scheduled air services following its opening. Red Sea International Airport, which started domestic flights in 2023, added international routes in 2024. Qatar Airways began servicing the airport from Doha in October 2025, while flydubai launched its first international route from Dubai in April 2024. The airport was developed by Red Sea Global as the primary gateway for visitors heading to The Red Sea destination.
Route broadens Etihad’s network within Saudi Arabia
Located along Saudi Arabia’s northwest coast, The Red Sea destination features islands, reefs, lagoons, mangroves, and inland mountainous areas. According to Red Sea Global, the larger destination started welcoming visitors in 2023. As a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, the company is responsible for developing The Red Sea project as well as AMAALA. Red Sea International Airport functions as the main air gateway to this development and utilizes renewable energy sources for its operations, including essential lighting and navigation systems.
Currently, Etihad’s Saudi network includes Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim, with Red Sea International Airport poised to become its sixth destination. The airline considers Saudi Arabia one of its largest regional markets, with consistent traffic driven by business, family, and religious travel throughout the year. The addition of the Red Sea route introduces a leisure-focused destination into this network, with Abu Dhabi continuing to serve as the hub for connections. According to Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves, the new route places islands and reefs within a short flight from Abu Dhabi.
Additional Gulf route enhances airport connectivity
The airport was developed and delivered by Red Sea Global and is operated by daa International. Domestic flights commenced in September 2023, followed by the first international service from Dubai in April 2024. As airlines expanded their scheduled services, more international routes were added. The developer emphasizes that the airport serves visitors traveling to resorts along the coast, with transfer options including electric vehicles, boats, or seaplanes to reach individual resort areas.
Etihad’s inaugural Abu Dhabi to Red Sea International flight remains scheduled for Oct. 4, with the twice-weekly service beginning three weeks later. The airline has made bookable itineraries available on its website. The Airbus A320 aircraft configuration offers a total of 158 seats per flight. The airline plans for the route to operate throughout the year without any announced seasonal termination. With this launch, Etihad adds another nonstop link between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline.