Etihad Airways Launches Abu Dhabi–Dhaka Route

Launch & Schedule

Etihad Airways launched its inaugural Flight EY382 from Abu Dhabi at 10:00 PM on 26 June 2026, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka the following morning. The flight departed fully sold out, underlining the strong pent-up demand on the corridor. 

The four-times-weekly seasonal service operates between Zayed International Airport (AUH) and Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) and runs through 24 October 2026. 

Flight Schedule:

Aircraft & Cabin

The route is operated by a Boeing 777 widebody aircraft featuring 28 lie-flat Business Class seats and 374 Economy seats, while its belly-hold capacity provides additional support for cargo operations. 

Fares

Flights are on sale now with fares starting from USD 199 one-way from Abu Dhabi. Tickets are available at etihad.com. 

A Return, Not a New Route

This launch marks Etihad's return to the Bangladeshi capital following a suspension of the route in 2023. It has been reintroduced as a seasonal service to meet peak travel demand, having left the corridor to other Gulf carriers in the interim. 

Why This Route Matters

• For the Bangladeshi diaspora:

The UAE is home to one of the largest Bangladeshi communities in the world. The new service provides a direct and efficient link for families, as well as seamless onward connections via Abu Dhabi for the Bangladeshi diaspora across the GCC, North America, and the UK. 

• For trade and cargo:

The route serves growing trade flows, particularly supporting Bangladesh's globally significant garment and textile sector, while enhancing Abu Dhabi's connectivity across South Asia. 

• For global connectivity:

The seasonal service will also open valuable connections for significant Bangladeshi diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, Italy, and North America, who will be able to travel via Abu Dhabi to Dhaka with ease. 

What Etihad's CEO Said

Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the first flight departing fully booked speaks to the strength of the bond between the UAE and Bangladesh and the sustained demand seen across both passenger and cargo segments. He described the service as a direct link for families who call both countries home, as well as a gateway for the Bangladeshi diaspora across the GCC, North America, and the UK. 

Stopover Opportunity

Passengers travelling through Abu Dhabi can also use Etihad's stopover programme, allowing them to include a stay in the UAE capital before continuing their journey — with attractions including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the recently opened Zayed National Museum, beaches, and waterfront experiences. 

Key Facts Summary