Etihad Airways plans to double its China capacity within five to seven years as it expands services from Abu Dhabi and positions China among its top three revenue markets. Chief executive Antonoaldo Neves outlined a rapid build-up in passenger flying, with weekly services to mainland China set to rise to 35 by the end of March from seven at present.
The carrier’s China growth strategy centres on a wider network push across key mainland cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hangzhou and Chengdu, alongside its existing Beijing service. The planned increase would make China Etihad’s fastest-growing market in 2027, reflecting stronger UAE-China aviation links and the airline’s long-haul expansion plans. The forecast remains management guidance rather than a final traffic outcome, but it points to a substantial step-up in capacity on one of the group’s most strategically important markets.