Etihad doubles Abu Dhabi-Sydney flights to meet Australia’s summer travel demand
Airbus A350-1000 aircraft to operate every service
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways is doubling its Abu Dhabi-Sydney service from December 15, adding four weekly flights as the Australian summer holiday season gets under way.
The airline will increase its existing 10 weekly flights to 14, giving passengers two departures every day between the UAE capital and Sydney. All services will be operated by Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, offering more than 5,000 seats each week in each direction.
The expansion comes as Etihad prepares for increased travel demand during the Australian summer and strengthens connections between Sydney and the airline’s growing international network.
A350 experience
Etihad has served Sydney since 2007, and the additional services will feature the airline’s Airbus A350-1000 aircraft throughout the week.
The aircraft’s Business cabin includes private spaces with sliding doors, 79-inch lie-flat beds, wireless charging and 18.5-inch screens. Economy passengers will have 17.4-inch-wide seats equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreens and Bluetooth audio, while high-speed Wi-Fi is available across the aircraft.
The additional frequency also gives Australian travellers more opportunities to visit Abu Dhabi attractions, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Saadiyat Island and Qasr Al Hosn. The schedule will also coincide with the Formula 1 weekend at Yas Marina Circuit in December.
Etihad in Australia
Passengers connecting through Abu Dhabi can access Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme, which provides complimentary hotel accommodation for one or two nights and now includes Al Ain.
The expanded Sydney schedule will also strengthen onward connections across the Gulf, wider Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Africa and Europe. Travellers heading beyond Sydney can connect to destinations across Australia and New Zealand through Etihad’s interline partners Qantas, Jetstar and Air New Zealand.
Etihad Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De said the additional services would provide greater flexibility for passengers travelling between Australia and the airline’s expanding international network.
Etihad’s Australian network also includes daily Abu Dhabi-Melbourne flights operated by Boeing 787 aircraft.