- Landmark partnership to bring more international visitors to Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coastline, with regular Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi to Red Sea International Airport
Riyadh, September 8, 2026 – Red Sea Global (RSG), the regenerative tourism developer, has announced a partnership with Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, which will see the airline operate regular flights to Red Sea International Airport (RSI) from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. The agreement will allow more visitors around the world to enjoy the pristine beaches, stunning landscapes, and unrivaled Saudi hospitality available at The Red Sea destination.
Etihad Airways will begin with one weekly flight from 4 October 2026 on Sundays from Zayed International Airport (AUH), increasing to twice a week from 25 October 2026 (Thursdays and Sundays). The three-hour flight will enable guests, business travelers, and residents to take off from Abu Dhabi mid-morning and be on the beach at The Red Sea’s ultra-luxury resorts by early afternoon.
“The Red Sea is quickly establishing itself as one of the world's most exciting luxury tourism destinations. This partnership with Etihad Airways significantly expands access to The Red Sea by connecting the destination to one of the world's leading airline networks. As we continue to grow our portfolio of resorts and experiences, strengthening international connectivity allows us to attract visitors from key source markets around the world,”
The flight timings will be as follows:
- Zayed International Airport (AUH) to Red Sea International Airport (RSI): Departs 09:55 GST | Arrives 12:05 AST
- Red Sea International Airport (RSI) to Zayed International Airport (AUH): Departs 14:00 AST | Arrives 18:05 GST
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, said: “The kind of holiday people normally take a long-haul flight for - islands, reefs, and relaxation - is now a short flight from Abu Dhabi and a single connection from anywhere across our network.
We are always looking ahead to where our guests will want to travel next and making sure we are there early. The Red Sea is exactly that kind of destination, and it is an easy one to reach: the holiday starts on the day guests arrive, not the day after.”
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), the Saudi Air Connectivity Program and RSI’s operator, daa International, were all integral in establishing this operation.
The Red Sea is a large-scale luxury tourism destination, offering diverse experiences across islands, coast, and desert. It has 11 resorts open, including Six Senses Southern Dunes, Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and Four Seasons Resort and Residences. A further six resorts will open in the coming months.
Red Sea International Airport currently receives around 20 domestic and international flights a week from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dubai, Doha and Milan.
Etihad flights are available to book now.
For more information visit Visit Red Sea.
