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Etihad Airways is set to solidify its position as a leading airline in Australia, announcing a substantial increase in flight frequency to Sydney. Starting in July 2025, the airline will boost its services from seven weekly flights to ten, making Sydney the largest Australian port for Etihad in terms of Middle Eastern connectivity. This pivotal expansion reflects the airline’s confidence in Sydney as a strategic hub and enhances the city’s status as Australia’s most connected airport to the Middle East.

The increase in services marks a significant step for Etihad, which has been steadily growing its operations in Australia since its inaugural flight to Sydney in 2007. With this latest expansion, Etihad Airways is well-positioned to meet the rising demand for international travel between Australia and the Middle East. This region continues to grow as a critical transit point for global travellers.

A Strategic Boost to Sydney Airport

This move will elevate Sydney Airport’s status as the premier gateway to the Middle East, surpassing other Australian cities’ available seat capacity. Etihad’s continued investment in its global network will further enhance Sydney’s connectivity, with the potential for more growth beyond 2025. The airline has already signalled intentions to expand to double-daily flights shortly, underscoring its commitment to strengthening ties between Sydney and key international destinations.

Greg Botham, Sydney Airport’s Group Executive of Aviation Growth and Strategy, expressed excitement about the increased services. “Etihad has a fantastic product, and it’s great that more Sydneysiders will be able to experience it. This increase in services is a vote of confidence in Sydney as a premier travel hub, and we’re eager to see what the future holds for our partnership with Etihad,” Botham stated.

The enhanced connectivity is also expected to bring significant economic benefits to New South Wales, driving tourism and trade between Australia and the Middle East. With more frequent flights, business travellers, tourists, and cargo operators will have greater flexibility and options when choosing Etihad for their travel needs.

Enhanced Passenger Experience

Travellers flying with Etihad through Sydney will enjoy a seamless experience at the airline’s new hub, Abu Dhabi’s A Zayed International Airport. Opened in 2023, this state-of-the-art terminal has been praised for its architectural beauty and intuitive design, offering a smooth transit experience for passengers. Premium travellers will also have access to first-class lounges, spas, and rooftop bars, ensuring a luxurious start or end to their journey.

Etihad’s Regional General Manager, Amer Khan, emphasized the importance of customer experience in this expansion: “We are delighted to be increasing our services to Sydney from 2025. The additional flights provide more flexibility and improved connectivity for our customers, whether they’re traveling to our home city of Abu Dhabi, visiting Dubai, or connecting with our ever-expanding global network.”

Khan also highlighted the strategic timing of Etihad’s summer 2025 flights, which connect passengers conveniently with European destinations like Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and Milan. This reinforces Etihad’s role as a global carrier that links Asia Pacific with Europe and beyond.

A Vote of Confidence in Australia’s Aviation Market

The decision to increase services to Sydney demonstrates Etihad’s strong belief in the Australian market’s resilience and growth potential. As air travel rebounds post-pandemic, the demand for international routes has surged, with Sydney playing a key role in connecting Australia to the world.

Etihad’s expanded presence at Sydney Airport strengthens the airline’s footprint and brings increased competition, which could lead to more competitive pricing and enhanced service offerings for passengers. The airline’s investment in Australia reflects broader trends in aviation as carriers worldwide work to restore and expand routes to meet growing demand.

With this bold move, Etihad is poised to become the leading airline for Australians travelling to the Middle East and beyond. Thanks to Etihad’s ambitious plans and continued regional investment, Sydney will stand at the forefront of global travel by 2025.