ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways plans to commence nonstop flights from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea region on Oct. 4, 2026. The route will link Zayed International Airport with Red Sea International Airport located in Tabuk Province. Initially, the airline will operate one flight per week, expanding to two flights weekly starting from Oct. 25. The flight duration will be just over three hours, making it the sixth Saudi destination in Etihad’s network.
The route will be operated by an Airbus A320 configured with 8 Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats. Etihad has stated that travelers in its network can reach the Red Sea via a single connection at Abu Dhabi, including passengers arriving from markets across the Gulf and Indian subcontinent. Tickets are already available for booking through Etihad’s system for travel beginning on the launch date. This new route joins Etihad’s existing Saudi network, which includes Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim.
This new service provides a direct link from Abu Dhabi to a Saudi coastal destination that has seen an increase in scheduled flights since its opening. Red Sea International Airport started domestic operations in 2023 and added international flights in 2024. Qatar Airways began servicing the airport from Doha in October 2025, after flydubai launched its inaugural international route from Dubai in April 2024. The airport was developed by Red Sea Global to serve as the main aviation gateway to The Red Sea destination.
Route enhances Etihad’s presence in Saudi Arabia
Situated along Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, the Red Sea destination features islands, reefs, lagoons, mangroves, and inland mountain terrains. Red Sea Global, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, states that the overall destination started welcoming visitors in 2023. The company develops The Red Sea and AMAALA tourism projects. Red Sea International Airport functions as the main air gateway to The Red Sea development, employing renewable energy sources for its airside operations, including essential lighting and navigation systems.
Currently, Etihad’s Saudi network includes Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim, with Red Sea International expected to become the sixth destination. The airline considers Saudi Arabia one of its largest regional markets, with ongoing business, family, and religious travel throughout the year. The addition of the Red Sea route introduces a leisure destination to this network, with Abu Dhabi continuing to serve as the connecting hub. Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves mentioned that the new route brings islands and reefs within a short flight from Abu Dhabi.
Another Gulf route joins the airport’s connections
The airport was developed and completed by Red Sea Global, with daa International responsible for its operation. Domestic flights commenced in September 2023, and the first international flight from Dubai followed in April 2024. As airlines expanded service to the airport, additional routes were introduced. The developer indicates that the airport primarily serves visitors heading to resorts across the coastal development. Transfers to individual resorts can be made by electric vehicle, boat, or seaplane from the airport.
Etihad’s inaugural Abu Dhabi to Red Sea International flight is scheduled for Oct. 4, with the twice-weekly service beginning three weeks later. Bookings for the route are available on Etihad’s website. The route’s Airbus A320 aircraft configuration provides 158 seats per flight. The airline plans to operate the service throughout the year and has not announced any seasonal discontinuation. This launch marks another nonstop link connecting the United Arab Emirates with Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.