ABU DHABI / RankWire.AI / – Etihad Airways is set to commence year-round flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Airport starting on Oct. 4, 2026. Initially, the airline will operate one flight per week, but from Oct. 25, the frequency will increase to twice weekly. This new route will position Red Sea International as the sixth Saudi destination in Etihad’s route network and will introduce a direct nonstop service from the UAE capital to Saudi Arabia.
The carrier will deploy an Airbus A320 on this route, configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats. Consequently, each scheduled flight will feature a total of 158 seats. The flight duration between Abu Dhabi and Red Sea International is expected to be just over three hours. Etihad has already opened bookings for this service, enabling passengers across its network to connect via Zayed International Airport to reach the Saudi Red Sea coast.
Currently, Etihad serves several Saudi cities including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim. The addition of Red Sea International broadens its network to include a destination known for coastal tourism and resorts. Throughout the year, the airline also facilitates travel to Saudi Arabia for business, family visits, and religious pilgrimages. According to Etihad, travelers coming from the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent can reach the new destination with a single connection via Abu Dhabi.
Red Sea International enhances regional flight options
Red Sea International Airport began operations within Saudi Arabia in September 2023, initially handling domestic flights. The airport’s first international service arrived in April 2024, followed by a direct flight to Doha introduced in October 2025. Developed by Red Sea Global, the airport serves as the gateway to The Red Sea tourism destination on Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, featuring islands, coral reefs, lagoons, mangroves, and mountainous terrain, with resorts located along the coast and on islands.
Red Sea Global, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is also responsible for developing the AMAALA tourism project. The organization states that Red Sea International Airport provides access to resorts across The Red Sea development. The airport is managed by daa International, and travelers can continue onward by electric vehicle, boat, or seaplane from the terminal. The company highlights that the airport operates on renewable energy, powering airside functions including lighting and navigation systems essential for arriving and departing aircraft.
Etihad expands its Saudi network with sixth destination
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves commented that the route offers travelers quick access to the Red Sea’s islands and reefs from Abu Dhabi. The airline plans to operate the service year-round rather than seasonally. The increase in frequency from one to two weekly flights will take effect three weeks after the initial launch. Additionally, the route will link Red Sea International directly with Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub and its global route network.
The inaugural flight from Etihad to Red Sea International is scheduled for Oct. 4, 2026, with bookings already available. The twice-weekly schedule will commence on Oct. 25, operated with the same Airbus A320 aircraft configuration. With this new service, Etihad will serve six destinations within Saudi Arabia and add the Red Sea coast to its regional offerings. The route provides a direct air connection between Abu Dhabi and one of Saudi Arabia’s newest international airports.