Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines are deepening travel ties between the UAE and Vietnam with the launch of a new codeshare partnership, further enhancing Etihad’s recently introduced service between Abu Dhabi and Hanoi.

Under the agreement, Etihad passengers can now connect to key domestic destinations across Vietnam, as well as major cities throughout Asia, all on a single ticket with one check-in and seamless baggage transfers. Abu Dhabi becomes an effortless connecting hub linking Vietnam to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “This partnership with Vietnam Airlines brings tremendous value to our guests by opening access to some of Asia’s most vibrant and sought-after destinations. Our new Abu Dhabi–Hanoi service has been very well received, and this codeshare turns it into a true gateway to Vietnam’s most exciting cities.

“Combined with our frequent flyer partnership—which allows loyalty members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles across our global networks—this collaboration reinforces our commitment to offering greater flexibility, expanded reach, and an enhanced travel experience.”

Nguyen Quang Trung, Director of Corporate Planning and Development at Vietnam Airlines, said: “Vietnam Airlines is delighted to advance our cooperation with Etihad Airways through this new codeshare agreement, following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. This partnership provides seamless access to Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, while welcoming more travelers to experience Vietnam Airlines’ signature hospitality. Alongside our expanded frequent flyer partnership, the agreement improves convenience, broadens destination options, and strengthens tourism and economic links between Vietnam and the UAE.”

The codeshare will be rolled out in phases. Vietnam Airlines passengers will soon gain access to six destinations beyond Abu Dhabi—Athens, Addis Ababa, Bahrain, Muscat, Cairo, and Istanbul—significantly extending their reach into the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through Etihad’s global network.

Etihad and Vietnam Airlines already share a frequent flyer partnership launched in July 2025, enabling Etihad Guest and Lotus Miles members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks. The arrangement adds further value to the expanded code-share cooperation between the two carriers.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, just announced seven additional new destinations to further expand its network as part of its ongoing strategy to bring more point-to-point traffic directly to Abu Dhabi. The seven new destinations will be added to a total of 20 already announced or started destinations in 2025. The new destinations – Almaty, Kazakhstan; Baku, Azerbaijan; Bucharest, Romania; Medina, Saudi Arabia; Tbilisi, Georgia; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and Yerevan, Armenia – will further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a thriving hub for tourism, culture, and commerce. The flights are set to go on sale over the next few days, and services will begin in March 2026. However, Etihad will start flying to Medina as early as November 2025.

Strengthening tourism

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer said: “Our goal is clear, we want to bring more people directly to Abu Dhabi. These new routes connect us to fast-growing, culturally rich regions and will help stimulate demand for tourism and trade in the UAE’s capital. “From the spiritual significance of Medina to the historic charm of Tbilisi and Yerevan, and the modern vibrancy of cities like Baku and Almaty, each destination adds depth to our growing network and attracts travellers with diverse interests. “With these seven additions, Etihad will have announced or commenced operations to 27 new routes in a single year – a remarkable milestone that reflects our ambition and commitment to Abu Dhabi’s growth. “Whether for business or leisure, guests can expect a seamless journey and world-class hospitality that reflects Etihad’s elevated service. These connections make it easier than ever to experience everything Abu Dhabi has to offer.” Etihad has already celebrated inaugural flights to four new destinations this year – Prague, Warsaw, Sochi and Atlanta. The Abu Dhabi carrier will add another 13 routes before the year closes. Among them are Algiers, Chiang Mai and Krabi (Thailand), Hanoi (Vietnam), Hong Kong, Medan (Indonesia) Peshawar (Pakistan), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Taipei and Tunis.

Three new destinations for 2026

The announcement comes just days after Etihad unveiled three new seasonal summer destinations for 2026. There are Krakow in Poland, Salalah in Oman, and Kazan in Russia. All will operate during the peak travel months. According to the airline's planned schedule, Baku and Yerevan will benefit of 10 weekly flights; Almaty and Tbilisi of 8 weekly frequencies ; Medina and Tashkent of 6 flights/week and Bucharest of 4 flights/week.

Etihad Airways inked a collaboration agreement with the Tourism Authority of Thailand to promote tourism to Thailand through Etihad’s global network. They signed a memorandum of cooperation at the recent ATM in Dubai. The MoC will see both promote high-quality travel experiences in Thailand via various marketing infinitives. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: "Thailand is a very important market for Etihad, this is demonstrated by our continued expansion into the market with two new destinations this year.” “This agreement will help further strengthen our relationship with the Kingdom of Thailand and Etihad’s position in the market." Etihad announced the addition of two new destinations in Thailand, among the 16 new routes the airline is launching this year. Flights to Krabi and Chiang Mai will begin in October and November respectively, and will strengthen the airline’s presence in the market. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, added: “Our partnership with Etihad marks a significant milestone in advancing Thailand’s position as a preferred global destination.” “We are confident that this collaboration will inspire more travellers to explore Thailand.”

Etihad Airways has rolled out a new corporate travel programme. It’s a significant advancement in the airline's corporate travel offerings, the Gulf carrier says. The programme aims to simplify corporate travel management processes while providing customised benefits based on each client company’s specific requirements. It features a comprehensive travel management portal and dedicated support options. Javier Alija, VP, Global Sales & Distribution at Etihad Airways said: "This new programme demonstrates support for our corporate partners with solutions that meet their evolving needs." It offers businesses a range of benefits that expand with their travel volume, including special corporate rates, priority services, and enhanced flexibility. For larger organisations, it includes additional features such as dedicated account management and customised travel solutions. Alija added: "Whether it's a growing enterprise or an established multinational, we've designed our offerings to support their success." The digital platform has a performance tracking function, automated reporting, and simplified expense management. Companies can access their personalised benefits package through a dedicated corporate portal.

Gulf carrier Etihad Airways has kicked off its landmark Joint Venture with China Eastern Airlines. The airlines marked the launch with a ceremony held at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai this week. The launch follows the arrival of China Eastern’s inaugural MU237 flight from Shanghai to Abu Dhabi on 28 April. This service operates four weekly flights before increasing to a daily frequency starting 12 September 2025. Building upon the launch of the JV, the two airlines have also signed a new agreement between their respective loyalty programmes. Starting 1 June 2025, members of Etihad Guest and Eastern Miles can earn and redeem miles across both airlines' respective global networks. The Etihad Airways – China Eastern Airlines JV, initially announced in June 2024, now becomes operational. This JV enables more seamless travel between major Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Kunming, and key cities in the UAE as well as across the Middle East and Africa regions. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad, said: "The Joint Venture with China Eastern is a major leap forward—not just for our two airlines, but for both the UAE and China.” “By combining our networks and aligning our loyalty programmes, we’re expanding choice and connectivity for our guests, and setting the foundation for a new era of cooperation." The partnership is the first joint venture between a Middle Eastern and a Chinese airline. Wan Qingchao, EVP of China Eastern, said: "The launch of the Shanghai-Abu Dhabi route and the implementation of the joint business cooperation are key achievements in advancing our shared vision under the Belt and Road Initiative." The new China Eastern flight to Abu Dhabi is flown on A330 aircraft.  

Gulf carrier Etihad Airways is the latest airline to join IATA’s Turbulence Aware programme. Turbulence Aware collates data about turbulence from flights operated by participating airlines. This real-time reporting helps pilots and flight dispatchers plot the smoothest and most efficient flight paths. Etihad will deploy the platform across its entire fleet of almost 100 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. These aircraft automatically share reports with IATA’s programme. The programme will provide broader flight data coverage, both in the region and globally where Etihad flies. Data quality continues to improve as more airlines join the programme. Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Interim Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are pleased to join and leverage our extensive network and fleet to support the industry in effectively managing turbulence.” With real-time, accurate data, pilots can effectively navigate turbulence resulting in smoother journeys.” The quality of IATA’s Turbulence Aware data evolves as more airlines contribute. More than 25 airlines are participating in the programme with more than 2,600 aircraft operating the software. This resulted in more than 51 million reports in 2024.

Etihad Airways is significantly expanding its African network with new destinations and increased frequencies. It includes doubling flights to Nairobi, Kenya, increasing to 14 weekly services starting 15 December 2025. The announcement comes less than a year since the airline resumed flights to the Kenyan capital. Nairobi is a prominent East African business hub and has the Nairobi National Park within its boundaries, housing cultural attractions including museums and art galleries. It serves as a gateway to Kenya's wildlife destinations. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “We have been focusing on a holistic approach that enhances our presence by expanding our fleet, increasing frequencies, and forming key partnerships.” “We’re encouraged by the positive early results and are pleased to announce the expansion of our Nairobi service to 14 weekly flights.” The expansion will also see an increase of Seychelles flights to six a week in partnership with Air Seychelles. Etihad is also introducing daily 787 Dreamliner services to Casablanca and Johannesburg. "Together with Air Seychelles and our groundbreaking relationship with Ethiopian Airlines, these strategic partnerships form a key foundation as we add four new direct routes to Africa from Abu Dhabi this year."

UAE carrier Etihad Airways has opened reservations for upcoming new route to Medan, Indonesia. Medan is the gateway to a host of natural attractions in Northern Sumatra such as Lake Toba. The airline will start flights between Medan’s Kualanamu International Airport and Abu Dhabi on 2 October 2025. Medan flights run three times a week on new Airbus A321LR aircraft. Medan is one of 14 routes already announced by Etihad to launch this year, with more expected to come.

Etihad Airways maintained strong passenger carryings in February. The airline released its passenger traffic statistics, handling 1.6 million travellers last month with an average load factor of 89%. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: "Our passenger numbers in February saw a strong 14% growth compared to the same period last.” "As our capacity continues to grow, it is pleasing to see we maintained our robust passenger load factor, as we prepare for a busy 2025. Etihad is set to launch 14 new routes in 2025. "Underpinning our continued expansion is the growth in our operating fleet, and we are close to reaching three figures, with more deliveries expected throughout 2025.” “I am also delighted to report continued growth in guest approval, with February setting another new record for customer satisfaction.”

Etihad Airways and Spanish carrier Air Europa are set to expand their cooperation to a strategic partnership. They are working toward enhancing commercial and operational ties. Etihad is increasing its flights to twice daily to Air Europa’s hub in Madrid from summer 2025. The partnership would further strengthen connectivity between Europe and Latin America, the Middle East and Asia. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: " We are in discussions to establish a strategic partnership covering a range of activities, including deepening our codeshare and frequent flyer programme. They are also exploring a potential wet lease operation with an Air Europa aircraft between Madrid and Abu Dhabi. “Our partnership with Etihad will become even more rewarding for our customers. By initiating our operations between Madrid-Barajas and Abu Dhabi, it will further extend our reach to the Middle East and Asia,” said Richard Clark, Air Europa's General Manager. Etihad and Air Europa already have a partnership that includes bilateral codesharing and allows members of their frequent flyer programmes to earn and redeem miles.

Etihad Airways posted its best ever airline profit for the full year 2024. It achieved a record AED 1.7 billion ($476 million) profit driven by AED 20.8 billion (£4.5 billion) passenger revenue and AED 4.2 billion (£909 million) cargo revenue. It marks the third consecutive year of profitability and a tripling of the profit from 2023. The airline saw growth across all metrics and achieved operational efficiency improvements. The airline carried 18.5 million passengers in 2024, a 32% increase. There was an improved passenger load factor at 87% in FY24. Total revenue saw a year-on-year increase of 25% to AED 25.3 billion (£5.5 billion) driven by both passenger and cargo business. Passenger revenue increased by AED 4.2 billion (£909 million), or 25% thanks to an incraesed network and seat capacity. In 2024, the airline expanded its operations to over 1,700 weekly flights and increased frequencies on 25 routes over the past two years. It also launched more than 20 new destinations, such as Boston, Jaipur, Bali, and Nairobi, alongside summer hotspots like Antalya, Nice, and Santorini Over10 of these cities are set to begin operations in 2025. The airline’s operating fleet expanded with the addition of 12 aircraft, including the introduction of a new fleet-type, with six A320 NEOs. Etihad also brought back its fifth Airbus A380. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Looking ahead, I am confident we will continue to be a financially strong airline contributing to the long-term prosperity and success of the UAE.” The airline’s network now has 126 interline, codeshare, and strategic partnerships, including a landmark partnership with China Eastern, the first of its kind between a Middle Eastern and Chinese airline.

Gulf carrier Etihad Airways has kicked off 2025 with a continued strong performance. The airline handled 1.7 million guests during the month, an 18% rise on the same period last year, and a passenger load factor of 89%, up on 86 January 2024. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: "We saw a strong traffic result for January, signalling continued upward momentum, with a particularly robust passenger load factor. “Alongside these strong figures, I am delighted to note continued growing guest approval, with January at a record level for customer satisfaction. The airline has announced a further increase in frequencies across the network, including plans to go triple-daily to Milan from November, 2025 and four flights daily to Bangkok from February 2026.