ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways has announced the commencement of nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport beginning on Oct. 4, 2026. Initially, the airline will operate one flight per week. From Oct. 25, the frequency will increase to two flights weekly. This new route will mark Red Sea International as the sixth Saudi destination within Etihad’s network and will create another direct link from the UAE capital to Saudi Arabia.
For this route, Etihad plans to deploy an Airbus A320 aircraft, configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats. Each scheduled flight will have a total of 158 seats. The travel duration between Abu Dhabi and Red Sea International is expected to be just over three hours. The airline has already opened reservations for this service, enabling passengers from its broader network to connect via Zayed International Airport to reach the Saudi Red Sea coast.
At present, Etihad operates flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim in Saudi Arabia. The addition of Red Sea International will expand its network to include a destination focused on coastal and resort tourism. Throughout the year, Etihad also transports passengers to Saudi Arabia for business, family visits, and religious reasons. The airline mentioned that travelers from Gulf and Indian subcontinent markets can reach the new destination with a single connection through Abu Dhabi.
Red Sea International broadens regional air connectivity
Red Sea International Airport started domestic services in September 2023 and received its first international flight in April 2024. The airport later launched a direct route to Doha in October 2025. Developed by Red Sea Global, the airport serves as the gateway to The Red Sea tourism region on Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast. The destination encompasses islands, coral reefs, lagoons, mangroves, and mountain areas, with resorts spread across coastal and island locations.
Red Sea Global, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is also responsible for developing the AMAALA tourism project. The company states that Red Sea International Airport facilitates access to resorts within The Red Sea development. daa International operates the airport, while travelers can continue their journey by electric vehicle, boat, or seaplane from the terminal. Red Sea Global emphasizes that the airport utilizes renewable energy sources for airside operations, including essential lighting and navigation systems supporting arriving and departing aircraft.
Etihad Adds a Sixth Destination in Saudi Arabia
Etihad Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves highlighted that the new route offers travelers quick access to the islands and reefs of the Red Sea within a short flight from Abu Dhabi. The airline plans to operate the service throughout the year rather than seasonally. The scheduled increase from one to two weekly flights will take effect three weeks after the initial launch. This route will also connect Red Sea International with Etihad’s hub in Abu Dhabi and its wider global network.
The inaugural Etihad flight to Red Sea International is scheduled for Oct. 4, 2026, with bookings already available. The twice-weekly flights will begin on Oct. 25, using the same Airbus A320 aircraft configuration. With this launch, Etihad will serve six destinations within Saudi Arabia, including the Red Sea coast, expanding its regional reach. The new service establishes a direct air link between Abu Dhabi and one of Saudi Arabia’s newest international airports.