Abu Dhabi travellers will soon have a new route to one of Saudi Arabia’s most talked-about coastal destinations, as Etihad Airways prepares to launch flights to the Red Sea this October.
The airline will begin flying between Abu Dhabi and Red Sea International Airport on 4 October this year, creating a direct connection between the UAE capital and Saudi Arabia’s north-western coastline. This new service will be operating once a week before increasing to twice-weekly flights from 25 October.
For anyone yet to explore the Red Sea, the destination offers a very different side of Saudi Arabia. Its coastline is dotted with more than 90 islands, while coral reefs, clear waters, mangroves, mountains, and desert landscapes provide the setting for a growing collection of luxury resorts.
So rather than one concentrated resort hub, the properties are dispersed across the coast, giving the area a quieter and more secluded feel perfect for relaxing getaways.
From Abu Dhabi to the Coast in Just Over Three Hours
What’s just as appealing is that the journey will take a little over three hours, with the inaugural Abu Dhabi departure scheduled for 9.55 AM and arriving at Red Sea International at 12.05 PM.
The new route also gives international visitors another reason to consider Abu Dhabi as part of a wider Middle Eastern holiday. Etihad passengers can connect through the capital before continuing to the Red Sea, with the airline’s Abu Dhabi Stopover programme allowing travellers to add a few days in the UAE before heading onwards to their final spot.
Another boost for Etihad
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea will become Etihad’s sixth destination in the region, joining Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al Qassim. The addition expands the airline’s presence in an important regional market while adding a distinctly leisure-focused destination to its Saudi network.
For Abu Dhabi, it means another attractive holiday destination is being brought within easy reach, and one that could make a tempting autumn escape when the new service takes off this October.
For further information on flights, visit Etihad Airways.
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