Etihad Airways has launched direct flights to the Red Sea.
This will now connect Abu Dhabi to the Red Sea.
The inaugural flight will take off on 4 October.
Etihad Airways has launched direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea, making it easier to escape to the luxury coastal destination.
Travel between the UAE and Saudi Arabia is about to get even easier, especially if your idea of a weekend escape involves the Red Sea. Etihad Airways will launch direct flights from Abu Dhabi to the Red Sea this October, making your getaway plans a little easier.
Etihad Airways has teamed up with Red Sea Global to launch regular direct flights between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Red Sea International Airport on Saudi Arabia’s western coastline. The new route will give UAE travellers a direct connection to the Red Sea, while also opening up the destination to visitors connecting through Etihad’s wider network.
The new service will launch on Sunday, 4 October 2026 with one flight a week initially. From 25 October 2026, the airline will increase the service to twice a week, operating on Thursdays and Sundays.
Flights from Abu Dhabi to the Red Sea will depart at 9.55am, while return flights to the UAE capital will arrive at 6.05pm. The journey takes around three hours, meaning you can leave Abu Dhabi in the morning and be at your Red Sea resort later that day. Return economy fares start from AED 2,320, although prices will vary depending on your travel dates and availability.
As for the Red Sea, multiple resorts are now open, giving travellers plenty of options when planning a stay. Some of the names include Desert Rock Resort, Four Seasons Resort & Residences The Red Sea at Shura Island, InterContinental The Red Sea Resort, Miraval The Red Sea, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Shebara Resort, Six Senses Southern Dunes, SLS The Red Sea, The Red Sea EDITION, The St. Regis Red Sea Resort. More resorts and experiences are expected to open soon, further expanding the destination’s luxury hotel offering.
So if you’re after a few days of switching off at a beachfront resort, exploring the desert landscapes or simply looking for somewhere new to escape to, the three-hour flight from Abu Dhabi to the Red Sea makes Saudi Arabia’s luxury coastal destination an easy option for your next getaway. Bookings are now open.
When: From 4 October 2026 onwards
Contact: www.etihad.com