Etihad to launch flights to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast
Etihad Airways will begin flying from Abu Dhabi to the Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia from October 2026, offering access to a luxury coastal
Etihad Airways will launch a new route connecting Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. Flights will begin on October 4, 2026, and operate year-round.
The airline's new service will link Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with the Red Sea International Airport (RSI) in the Tabuk province. The flight duration is just over three hours. This will become Etihad's sixth destination within Saudi Arabia.
Passengers can still take advantage of the airline's Abu Dhabi Stopover program, which allows for a pause in the carrier's home city before continuing to a final destination. The Red Sea airport is located within the tourist region itself, enabling quick transfers to hotels without long post-arrival journeys.
Initial flight schedule
Operations will start with one weekly flight. From October 25, 2026, frequency will increase to two flights per week. The initial schedule is as follows:
| Route | Flight Number | Departure | Arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Red Sea (RSI) | EY 621 | 09:55 | 12:05 |
| Red Sea (RSI) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) | EY 622 | 14:00 | 18:05 |
The route will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft configured with eight seats in business class and 150 in economy. Tickets are already available for purchase on Etihad's website.
The Red Sea destination
The Red Sea project area encompasses more than 90 islands off the northwest coast of Saudi Arabia. The coastline is known for its turquoise waters, coral reefs, lagoons, and mangrove areas. Activities such as diving and sailing are available. Nearby, visitors can find desert areas, lava fields, and mountains.
Resorts are distributed along the coast rather than concentrated in a single area. The Passageiro de Primeira source describes the Red Sea coast as a luxury destination, with its airport receiving few daily flights, making this new service an additional option for visitors.
Booking with miles and points
Etihad does not belong to any of the three major global airline alliances but maintains bilateral agreements with various carriers. These partnerships allow travelers to book Etihad tickets using miles from other frequent flyer programs. Options accessible to Brazilian travelers, including through national bank partners, include American Airlines' AAdvantage and Azul Fidelidade. Etihad's own program, Etihad Guest, is also an option.
The source notes that finding premium cabin award seats on Etihad has become more difficult due to lower seat availability in award fares. However, the airline reportedly tends to release more seats closer to the departure date. In economy class, availability is generally higher, even for bookings made well in advance.
