Etihad Airways will increase its Abu Dhabi-Sydney service to twice daily from December 15, 2026, adding four weekly flights to its existing schedule ahead of the Australian summer holiday season.

The additional services will give travellers two daily departure options throughout the week, with all flights operated by Etihad’s Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

The expanded schedule will provide more than 5,000 seats weekly in each direction between Abu Dhabi and Sydney.
Etihad has served Sydney since 2007.

The airline said the additional frequency would strengthen connections between Australia and destinations across its network in the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Africa and Europe.

For passengers connecting through Abu Dhabi, the expanded schedule will also provide onward connections to destinations including Zurich, Geneva, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, London, Manchester and Dublin.

Etihad passengers travelling beyond Sydney will also have access to onward connections in Australia and New Zealand through the airline’s interline partners, including Qantas, Jetstar and Air New Zealand.

Etihad Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, said the additional service would give passengers greater flexibility and strengthen connections between Australia and the airline’s global network.

“Double daily flights give our guests even greater flexibility when travelling between Australia and Etihad’s growing global network,” De said.

He said the additional frequency would also make it easier for travellers to include Abu Dhabi stopovers in their journeys.

Etihad’s Abu Dhabi-Sydney service will operate with Business Class cabins featuring private suites and lie-flat beds, while Economy Class passengers will have access to 4K entertainment screens and Bluetooth audio. High-speed Wi-Fi will be available throughout the aircraft.

The airline also operates daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Melbourne with its Boeing 787 aircraft.