Etihad Airways Relaunches Abu Dhabi–Hong Kong Route

On November 4, Etihad Airways, often described as one of the Middle East’s most understated luxury carriers, marked the return of its long-suspended Abu Dhabi–Hong Kong service as flight EY870 touched down at Hong Kong International Airport, featuring the airline’s signature golden livery.

The relaunch reflects Etihad’s push to regain market share on the route, with aircraft deployment and pricing closely aligned to current travel demand. The service operates five times weekly using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, Etihad’s flagship widebody aircraft, offering its latest Business Class product alongside an upgraded Economy Class experience.

Online travel agency ticket data shows Etihad entering the market with highly competitive nonstop fares, undercutting many one-stop alternatives. For example, on November 27, one-way Economy Class fares from Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi start at around RMB 2,190 (approximately USD 310), positioning the airline aggressively against regional and long-haul competitors.

The inaugural flight was nearly fully booked, highlighting robust demand for direct connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong.

In an interview with TravelDaily, Etihad Chief Operating Officer and Chief Customer Officer Majed Al Marzouqi said Hong Kong remains a strategically important market for the airline. He noted that Etihad’s return is part of its broader 2030 growth strategy, building on its prior experience in the market.

Al Marzouqi also подчеркed Hong Kong’s role as a global aviation hub with strong transfer potential, complementing Abu Dhabi’s position in Etihad’s network. With Chinese outbound travel continuing to rebound, particularly toward Europe via Hong Kong, Etihad’s extensive European network—where several major cities are served with two or three daily flights—offers travelers a wide range of onward connection options.