# Etihad Expands China Service from One to Six Routes with New Flights Starting Oct 2026

_Apr 13 12:13_

Tags: China Eastern, Etihad, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Mainland China, Middle East

Etihad Airways is expanding its China network from one to six destinations, increasing weekly flights from 7 to 35. New routes to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen launch between October 2026 and March 2027

## Summary

Etihad Airways announced a major expansion of its Mainland China service, increasing from one route (Beijing) to six destinations. The airline will increase weekly flights from 7 to 35. New routes launching from Abu Dhabi (AUH):
- October 1, 2026: Shanghai (PVG), 7x weekly
- March 4, 2027: Guangzhou (CAN), 7x weekly
- March 4, 2027: Hangzhou (HGH), 5x weekly
- March 5, 2027: Chengdu (TFU), 4x weekly
- March 7, 2027: Shenzhen (SZX), 5x weekly Existing service to Beijing (PKX) remains at 7x weekly. All new routes will be operated by Boeing 787-9 aircraft with 290 seats (28 business, 262 economy). This expansion is part of Etihad's joint venture with China Eastern and is driven by increased bilateral air rights between the UAE and China

## Why it matters

Affects 4 airline programs (China Eastern, Emirates, Etihad...).

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/etihad-expands-china-flights) — Etihad Massively Expands Mainland China Flights, Goes From One Route To Six

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