Etihad Airways plans to increase air connectivity between the UAE and China next year, beginning with an additional weekly frequency on its Abu Dhabi-Shanghai route.

Subject to regulatory approval, the airline will fly to Pudong International Airport (PVG) twice a week beginning in February 2023, using modern Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft.

When combined with a weekly service to Beijing and a twice-weekly service to Guangzhou, passengers will have five weekly nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and China.

“Etihad Airways is delighted to add a second weekly passenger service to Shanghai following the further relaxation of Covid-related travel measures,” said Martin Drew, Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Cargo at Etihad Aviation Group.

He continued, “China is a market of primary importance to Etihad, and as one of the country’s largest financial and economic centres, Shanghai plays a crucial role in our network. Etihad is committed to developing our operation to China, and we look forward to welcoming more travellers on board in the new year to experience our award-winning hospitality.”

Today’s announcement comes after Etihad Airways became the first international airline to operate long-haul passenger flights to the top three Chinese gateways since the pandemic began in October 2022, when it launched nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Guangzhou.

The airline set another milestone in China earlier this year when it operated the first regular international passenger flight to resume to Beijing when the capital reopened for international direct travel in June 2022.