Dolphins, Lagoons, and Lava Fields: Luxury Red Sea Coast Destination Joins Etihad's Network

Etihad Airways has announced it will add Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast to its growing network, with flights to Red Sea International Airport beginning on October 4, 2026.

Photo: Graham King / Shutterstock.com

90 Islands, Coral Reefs, Turtles, and Mountains

The year-round service will connect Abu Dhabi with one of Saudi Arabia’s newest luxury holiday destinations in just over three hours.

Dolphins in the Red Sea. Photo: Shutterstock

Located in Tabuk Province on Saudi Arabia’s north-western coast, the Red Sea destination is surrounded by more than 90 islands, turquoise lagoons and extensive coral reefs. The waters are home to turtles, dolphins and rays, while mangroves line sections of the coast. Inland, the landscape quickly changes from beaches to the desert of the Hejaz, with mountains and volcanic lava fields within easy reach.

Photo: Shutterstock

Proximity to Airport

Unlike traditional resort destinations built around large concentrations of hotels, The Red Sea has been developed around smaller, widely spaced resorts. The result is an experience focused on privacy and nature, with opportunities for diving, sailing, desert excursions and quiet beach time close to the resorts.

One of the biggest advantages for travelers is the location of Red Sea International Airport. Rather than requiring a lengthy road transfer after landing, visitors arrive directly at the destination and can reach their accommodation soon after their flight.

Photo: Shutterstock

The new service also creates an additional holiday option for passengers traveling across Etihad’s network. Travelers from the Gulf and Indian subcontinent can reach the Red Sea with a single connection in Abu Dhabi, with the route operating throughout the year.

For international visitors, the journey can also be combined with a stay in the UAE capital. Through Etihad’s Abu Dhabi Stopover program, passengers can spend several days exploring Abu Dhabi’s beaches, islands, cultural attractions and entertainment before continuing to Saudi Arabia.

The Red Sea will become Etihad’s sixth destination in Saudi Arabia, joining Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina and Al Qassim. Saudi Arabia is already one of the airline’s largest regional markets, carrying business, family and religious travelers throughout the year. The Red Sea adds a distinctly leisure-focused destination to that network.

Etihad Airways. Photo: kamilpetran / Shutterstock.com

Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the new route would make the type of holiday traditionally associated with long-haul travel much easier to reach from Abu Dhabi and other destinations across the airline’s network.

The Abu Dhabi–Red Sea service will increase to twice weekly from 25 October 2026. Flights will be operated using an Airbus A320 configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats.