ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways plans to commence seasonal flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport on October 4, 2026. The airline will initially operate once weekly, with frequency increasing to twice weekly starting October 25. This new route will position Red Sea International as the sixth destination in Saudi Arabia within Etihad’s network, enhancing direct connectivity from the UAE capital to the kingdom.
An Airbus A320 will be employed on this route, offering eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats, totaling 158 seats per flight. Flight durations between Abu Dhabi and Red Sea International are expected to be just over three hours. The airline has already opened reservations, enabling passengers from its extensive network to connect via Zayed International Airport to reach the Saudi Red Sea coast.
Currently, Etihad operates flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim. The addition of Red Sea International will expand the airline’s network to include a destination known for coastal and resort tourism. Throughout the year, passengers also travel to Saudi Arabia for business, family visits, and religious purposes. The airline highlights that travelers from the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent can reach the new destination via a single connection through Abu Dhabi.
Regional Air Connectivity Boosted by Red Sea International
Having begun domestic operations in September 2023 and receiving its first international flight in April 2024, Red Sea International Airport later introduced a direct Doha connection in October 2025. Developed by Red Sea Global, the airport serves as the aviation gateway to The Red Sea, a Saudi tourism destination situated along the country’s northwestern coast. The area features islands, coral reefs, lagoons, mangroves, and mountain regions, with resorts distributed across coastal and island sites.
Red Sea Global, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is also responsible for the AMAALA tourism project. The company states that Red Sea International facilitates access to resorts within The Red Sea development. The airport is managed by daa International, and travelers can transfer from the terminal via electric vehicle, boat, or seaplane. Red Sea Global emphasizes that renewable energy powers the airport’s airside operations, including essential lighting and navigation systems for arriving and departing aircraft.
Etihad Expands Its Saudi Network with a Sixth Destination
According to Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves, the new route provides travelers with quick access to the Red Sea’s islands and reefs from Abu Dhabi. The airline intends to operate this service year-round rather than seasonally. Its plan to increase flights from one to two weekly services will be implemented three weeks after the initial launch. The new route will also link Red Sea International with Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi and its broader international network.
The inaugural flight to Red Sea International is scheduled for October 4, 2026, with bookings already available through the airline. The twice-weekly service will start on October 25 using the same Airbus A320 configuration. With this addition, Etihad will serve six destinations within Saudi Arabia, including the Red Sea coast, further strengthening its regional connectivity. This service will establish a direct air link between Abu Dhabi and one of Saudi Arabia’s newest international airports.