Etihad Airways is making a bold move to expand its global network by launching new routes to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong, further solidifying the UAE’s position as a major international aviation hub. These new services not only enhance the airline’s global connectivity but also provide easier access to the UAE for tourists and business travelers from key regions in North Africa and Asia. With these strategic additions, Etihad is strengthening its role in promoting tourism, fostering economic growth, and supporting the UAE’s broader vision of becoming a key player in global trade and travel.

Etihad Airways Expands Its Network with Four New Routes to Key Global Destinations

Etihad Airways has achieved a remarkable milestone in its ambitious expansion plans, launching four new routes to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong in just three days. These new services not only reinforce Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading aviation hub but also significantly contribute to the UAE’s aviation sector growth, with Etihad accounting for nearly 45% of the country’s aviation growth in 2025.

This strategic expansion is poised to have a significant impact on both inbound tourism and trade, offering travelers from across Africa and Asia easier access to Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, luxury resorts, pristine beaches, and world-renowned events. The new routes also provide increased travel options for both UAE residents and international visitors, with a focus on key leisure and business destinations across North Africa and Asia.

New Routes from Abu Dhabi

1. Tunis (Starting November 1, three weekly flights)
   This new route strengthens Etihad’s presence in North Africa and caters to the rising demand for travel between the UAE and Tunisia. The flight adds a vital link between Abu Dhabi and Tunis, enabling both tourism and trade growth between the two regions.
2. Hanoi (Starting November 2, six weekly flights)
   The launch of direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Hanoi marks the UAE’s first direct connection to Vietnam’s vibrant capital. This route is expected to foster deeper trade and tourism ties, enhancing the exchange of people and goods between the UAE and Vietnam.
3. Chiang Mai (Starting November 3, four weekly flights)
   Northern Thailand is now more accessible to travelers from the Middle East and Europe thanks to Etihad’s new service from Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai. The serene beauty and cultural attractions of Chiang Mai offer a fresh destination for travelers looking for an alternative to the bustling cities of Thailand.
4. Hong Kong (Starting November 3, five weekly flights)
   Etihad’s resumption of flights to Hong Kong, along with its codeshare agreement with Hong Kong Airlines, reconnects Abu Dhabi with one of Asia’s most influential financial and leisure hubs. This move enhances regional connectivity and facilitates greater movement of business and leisure travelers between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong.Tunis

The addition of these four new destinations brings Etihad’s network to over 85 global destinations, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a central hub in the global aviation landscape. With this expansion, Etihad continues to drive growth in the UAE’s tourism sector, contributing to the country’s economic and cultural development.

Expanding the UAE’s Aviation Landscape: Air Arabia’s New Route

In a parallel development that highlights the UAE’s growing aviation influence, Air Arabia has launched its first direct flight from Ras Al Khaimah to Kazan, Russia. This new service, operating weekly, marks a key milestone for Air Arabia and underscores the airline’s expansion from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

The celebratory launch event at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport was attended by key officials from both the airline and the airport, highlighting the growing importance of Ras Al Khaimah as an aviation hub within the UAE. The new route provides a convenient, low-cost travel option between the UAE and Russia, further expanding Air Arabia’s network in the Russian market, which already includes flights to Moscow and Yekaterinburg.

The addition of the Kazan route strengthens Ras Al Khaimah’s position as an emerging aviation hub in the UAE, complementing Etihad Airways and Emirates’ global expansions. Air Arabia’s entry into Kazan enhances the emirate’s accessibility and offers more options for travelers seeking affordable flights to and from Russia.

A Vision for Global Connectivity

The launches by both Etihad Airways and Air Arabia reflect the UAE’s strategic ambition to become a dominant player in global aviation. With new routes connecting key markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe, the UAE’s airlines are positioning themselves to meet growing global demand for travel, providing more options for leisure, business, and cultural exchanges.

As Etihad Airways and Air Arabia continue to expand their networks, they are helping to reinforce the UAE’s status as a global aviation leader. This growth is expected to further stimulate tourism, trade, and economic development in the region, contributing to the UAE’s ongoing transformation into a key global hub for international travel. With new routes, rising passenger demand, and an ever-expanding network of destinations, the UAE’s airlines are set to define the future of international air travel.

Etihad Airways is expanding its global reach with new routes to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong, strengthening the UAE’s position as a global aviation hub. These additions boost tourism and trade, offering more travel options for key regions in North Africa and Asia.

Etihad Airways’ expansion into four new cities in just three days highlights the airline’s commitment to offering greater connectivity, promoting tourism, and facilitating trade between the UAE and key international markets. In parallel, Air Arabia’s new route from Ras Al Khaimah to Kazan illustrates the growing aviation landscape in the UAE. Together, these developments position the UAE’s airlines as key players in the global aviation industry, offering travelers a wider range of choices and further establishing Abu Dhabi as a crucial hub for international air travel.