Etihad Airways will operate twice-daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Sydney from December 15, 2026, adding four weekly services to its existing 10.

The additional flights will provide more than 5,000 seats weekly between the UAE capital and Sydney, supporting travel during Australia’s summer holiday period.

Etihad has served Sydney since 2007, with all flights operated by Airbus A350 aircraft.

The service offers Business Class private suites with lie-flat beds, while Economy passengers have 4K touchscreen entertainment and Bluetooth audio. High-speed Wi-Fi is available across the aircraft.

The expanded schedule will provide passengers from Australia with additional connections through Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Gulf, Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Africa and Europe.

Passengers travelling to Sydney from Etihad’s wider network will also have more options for onward travel across Australia and New Zealand through interline partners including Qantas, Jetstar and Air New Zealand.

The airline said the additional frequency will also support Abu Dhabi stopovers, with the Stopover programme offering complimentary one- or two-night hotel stays and options to visit Al Ain alongside Abu Dhabi.

Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer, said: “Double daily flights give our guests even greater flexibility when travelling between Australia and Etihad’s growing global network. The additional service strengthens connectivity through Abu Dhabi, creating more seamless access to destinations across the Middle East and Europe, while making it easier for travellers to experience Abu Dhabi and discover everything the emirate has to offer as part of their journey.

More flights mean more opportunities to explore new destinations, reconnect with family and friends, do business across continents, or break up the journey with a memorable stopover in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-growing cities.” -TradeArabia News Service