Etihad Airways has marked another milestone in its record year of expansion with the launch of new route to Hanoi which landed on November 2, 2025. With strong passenger demand and the growing appetite for travel to the UAE capital, the new flight will provide greater convenience for business and leisure travellers from both nations.  

The new Hanoi - Abu Dhabi route is operated by Etihad’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most innovative and efficient aircraft in the world. Designed to deliver exceptional comfort on long-haul journeys, the 787 features Etihad’s award-winning Business Studio® offering fully flat beds, direct aisle access and enhanced privacy, while Economy Smart seats provide generous legroom, adjustable headrests and an advanced inflight entertainment system. 

These features, together with Etihad’s award-winning in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi connectivity and onboard hospitality, ensure passengers enjoy an elevated experience.  

Beyond connecting Hanoi to the UAE, the new service opens the door for travellers to experience Abu Dhabi – one of the world’s most exciting and rapidly growing destinations. The UAE capital blends culture, innovation, and hospitality, offering visitors landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and Yas Island’s theme parks, alongside pristine beaches and luxury resorts. 

Etihad continues to add thousands of new seats to and from Abu Dhabi, driving inbound tourism and delivering almost 45% of the UAE’s total aviation growth this year, underscoring the airline’s pivotal role in supporting the nation’s tourism and economic agenda.

Commencing with six flights, the new route highlights Etihad’s commitment to building a robust global network as Etihad adds 31 new destinations to its network in 12 months. Alongside the airline’s newly launched services to Chiang Mai and Hong Kong, the new route strengthens cultural, business and tourism links between the UAE and some of the region’s most dynamic centres. The launch of Hanoi also brings the total number of destinations served by Etihad to almost 100 worldwide.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “The launch of direct flights from Hanoi to Abu Dhabi marks a significant milestone in Etihad Airways’ efforts to expand global connectivity. We are delighted to welcome visitors from Vietnam to our vibrant home, Abu Dhabi, while fostering new opportunities for trade and tourism between Abu Dhabi and strategic destinations across Southeast Asia. Hanoi reflects the diversity and energy of Asia and its growing connection with the UAE – whether for tourism, trade or cultural exchange, is warmly welcomed.” 

The new flights, operating six times per week, provide convenient options for travellers visiting Abu Dhabi for business or leisure, with easy access to the city’s cultural landmarks, world-class resorts, and year-round calendar of events, while providing convenient onward connections across Etihad’s global network spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America. The routes also invite travellers from the UAE and around the world to enjoy more holiday choices in one of Asia’s most sought-after destinations, renowned for its natural beauty, culinary diversity and vibrant heritage.

Beyond passenger travel, the new Hanoi service forms part of Etihad’s broader strategy to expand its cargo network and freight capacity across Southeast Asia. Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has celebrated 11 years of operations to Vietnam, and currently operates five Boeing 777 Freighter flights to Hanoi. The new route provides vital additional belly-hold capacity for Vietnam’s thriving export industries, including high-tech goods and electronics, textiles, seafood and agricultural products, while facilitating imports of premium goods from the UAE and beyond.

Leveraging Abu Dhabi’s position as a global logistics hub, Etihad Cargo will connect Hanoi to its extensive network spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa and North America, offering faster transit times, enhanced reliability and expanded capacity for high-value shipments. This reaffirms the airline’s role as an enabler of global trade and development and taking goods, care and trust beyond borders.  

In celebration of the new route, Etihad Guest, the loyalty arm of the airline, is welcoming new members with an instant upgrade to Etihad Guest Gold membership status when enrolling from Vietnam between 3 and 30 November 2025. Members must book and travel within six months of the registration to retain their status for another 12 months, flying in Business to retain Gold and in Economy to retain Silver status. The membership gives exclusive benefits such as entrance to Etihad’s luxurious lounges and additional baggage allowance. 

This promotion complements Etihad's recently launched frequent flyer partnership with Vietnam Airlines, further enhancing benefits for loyalty members of both airlines’ programmes.

The Hanoi launch is also included in The Extraordinary Challenge, Etihad’s travel incentive inviting Etihad Guest members to explore the airline’s new network additions for a chance to win up to five million Etihad Guest Miles. Registration is open at etihad.com/extraordinary.