Etihad Airways to resume direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Beijing

The UAE’s national airline, Etihad Airways will resume direct passenger flights between Abu Dhabi and Beijing from June 29, 2022.

This will mark the first regular direct international passenger flight to recommence for the Chinese capital, under the latest mandate of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council, a statement said. The airline will operate a weekly flight on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Inaugural flight schedule (all times local):

Flight	Departure	Time	Arrival	Time	Aircraft	Frequency
EY 888	Abu Dhabi	6pm	Beijing	5.25am+1	Boeing 787-9	Wednesday – June 29
EY 889	Beijing	2.10am	Abu Dhabi	7.10am	Boeing 787-9	Friday – July 1

Martin Drew, senior vice president global sales and cargo at Etihad Aviation Group, said: “China has always been an important strategic market for Etihad and the resumption of direct flights between the two capital cities will further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the United Arab Emirates.”

Etihad Airways scheduled service from Abu Dhabi to Shanghai had resumed in July 2020 to meet the demand of passengers travelling between the two countries.

Read: UAE’s Etihad to resume flights to Shanghai from July 27

Customers wishing to travel can book their tickets and view relevant entry regulations on the carrier’s website. Flights can also be booked through its mobile app, call centre or through a local or online travel agency.

Last month, the carrier’s chief executive officer Tony Douglas said that sales in China are expected to jump once the latest lockdowns ease.

Read more: Etihad CEO says India sales higher, optimistic on China rebound

After Etihad reported a record first-quarter profit of $290m before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation, the CEO had said he’s equally positive about the outcome for the first six months.

Earlier this month, the carrier said that it is launching five seasonal routes for summer that will connect Abu Dhabi to summer hotspots across Europe and the Indian Ocean.

Read: Abu Dhabi’s Etihad launches five seasonal routes for summer