Etihad's A380 arrives in Tokyo. Photo: Shutterstock Etihad enhances Tokyo routes. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, continues to solidify its status as a leading premium airline by announcing another significant step in the Asian market.
Starting from June 16, 2026, it will deploy its iconic A380 aircraft on the route between Abu Dhabi International Airport (Zayed AUH) and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) with daily flights.
This move places Tokyo among Etihad's flagship destinations, alongside London, Paris, Toronto, and Singapore, all already enjoying the A380 experience, including 'The Residence' – the only three-room suite at 40,000 feet.
'Customers demanded more seats to Japan – and the A380 is the answer.'
Erik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad, explains: "As we bring our A380s back into service, we are particularly pleased to introduce this extraordinary aircraft to Japan. Our guests consistently tell us how much they love the experience onboard, across all classes: economy, business, first class, and The Residence, our three-room suite in the sky. We have seen strong demand for more seats to Japan, and the A380 allows us to meet this need. The aircraft is ideally suited for this route, given the importance of business travel between the UAE and Japan, two nations with deep economic and cultural ties. Japan is a highly favored destination among our guests, and this move strengthens our commitment to the market."
Increasing capacity on the route will allow more Japanese passengers to reach Abu Dhabi, either as a destination in itself or as a convenient connecting point to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Australia.
Full Premium Experience
Etihad's A380 has been positioned for years as one of the flagship products in the global aviation industry. The airline invests in design, service, and attention to detail in every class:
First Class - First Apartments
The nine Apartments in the first class offer particularly spacious private spaces, with a wide leather armchair and an ottoman that converts into an 80-inch flatbed, designed tableware, and a personal grooming station. First-class passengers have access to a dedicated bathroom with a shower, an experience very few flyers are familiar with on airplanes.
Business Class - Business Studios and In-Air Lobby
The upper deck features the business class, with 70 Business Studios, semi-enclosed seats designed as personal suites, direct aisle access, flatbeds, and ample storage space. Between business and first class lies The Lobby, a lounge area with a regional bar where premium passengers can work, chat, or relax with a drink.
Comprehensive onboard Wi-Fi allows passengers to continue working, hold conversations, and upload content throughout the flight.
Economy Class – Economy with Real Additions
The A380's economy class includes 68 Extra Legroom seats with an additional 4 inches of legroom, alongside 337 Economy Smart seats designed for maximum comfort, with adjustable headrests and large cushions. A dedicated reception area for economy passengers creates a sense of a comfortable, non-cramped experience.
The Residence - The Only Three-Unit Suite in the World
At the top of the premium experience lies The Residence, Etihad's most exclusive offering and the only one of its kind in commercial aviation:
3 private rooms: living room, bedroom, and ensuite shower room at 40,000 feet.
Hosting up to two passengers – a couple, business partners, or a single traveler seeking complete privacy.
A dedicated cabin crew team is responsible for personal service from the beginning to the end of the flight.
Guests in The Residence enjoy a rich à la carte menu, designed tableware, the option for breakfast in bed, champagne, caviar, and Signature High Tea – an indulgent tea experience at high altitude.
Flight Schedule – Daily, in Both Directions (Local Times)
EY 0800 – Departs Abu Dhabi 21:25, arrives in Tokyo-Narita 12:45 (daily)
EY 0801 – Departs Tokyo-Narita 18:00, arrives in Abu Dhabi 00:20 (daily)
With Tokyo joining the A380 network, Etihad clearly indicates its strategy: strengthening key premium routes, increasing capacity to strategic markets like Japan, and deepening the offering for customers seeking much more than just a flight.