Photo Credit : WAM
Etihad Airways has announced the launch of direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast from 4 October 2026, expanding its network in the Kingdom with a new year-round leisure destination.
The flights will operate to Red Sea International Airport in Tabuk Province, placing the emerging tourism destination just over three hours from Abu Dhabi.
The new route will also allow passengers travelling from across Etihad Airways’ global network to reach the Red Sea through a single connection in Abu Dhabi. The airline said the service will offer convenient access for travellers from the Gulf region, the Indian subcontinent and other international markets.
The Red Sea will become Etihad’s sixth destination in Saudi Arabia, joining Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Al Qassim.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the new route would make Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea tourism offering more accessible to travellers seeking island escapes, coral reefs and relaxing beach holidays.
“The kind of holiday people normally take a long-haul flight for – islands, reefs and relaxation – is now a short flight from Abu Dhabi and a single connection from anywhere across our network,” Neves said.
Flights between Abu Dhabi and the Red Sea will initially operate once a week from 4 October 2026. Etihad plans to increase the service to twice weekly from 25 October 2026, providing additional travel options during the winter tourism season.
The new route further strengthens Etihad Airways’ presence in Saudi Arabia while supporting growing tourism links between the UAE and the Kingdom.
