Etihad Airways returns to Beijing

The flight is the first direct passenger service from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE to Beijing, capital of the People’s Republic of China, since 23 March 2020. On board the flight were UAE diplomats, employees of Chinese enterprises with investments in the UAE, business travellers and students.

Tony Douglas, Group chief executive officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Today marks a significant moment in Etihad’s history as passenger flights resume to Beijing for the first time in over 800 days. The direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Beijing will undoubtedly facilitate the deepening of bilateral cooperation in various fields and promote stronger bonds among the people of the two nations.

“As global travel restrictions rapidly ease, Etihad is equipped to further increase operations to China and meet the rising demand from travellers in both locations to support the recovery of economic and social activities worldwide.” Douglas added.