Etihad Airways has announced that it will be adding flights to Shanghai, China to meet travel demand to the region.
The airline said that subject to regulatory approval, from February 2023, Etihad will fly to Pudong International Airport (PVG) from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) two times per week using its fleet of Boeing 787 and 777 aircraft.
In addition to its weekly service to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and a twice-weekly service to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), Etihad will now have a total of five weekly direct flights between Abu Dhabi and China.
“Etihad Airways is delighted to add a second weekly passenger service to Shanghai following the further relaxation of Covid-related travel measures,” Martin Drew, senior vice president of global sales & cargo at Etihad Aviation Group said in a statement.
“China is a market of primary importance to Etihad, and as one of the country’s largest financial and economic centers, Shanghai plays a crucial role in our network. Etihad is committed to developing our operation to China, and we look forward to welcoming more travelers on board in the new year to experience our award-winning hospitality,” Drew further stated.
Etihad’s announcement comes after China said it will be ending its quarantine policies just before the beginning of the Lunar New Year celebrations in January 2023.
China has been moving away from its strict zero-COVID policies over the course of the past few months, following protests and unrest in many cities across the country.