Etihad Airways is launching a seasonal route to Dhaka this summer, adding Bangladesh to its network as the UAE carrier looks to capture both passenger traffic and cargo demand along the South Asia corridor.
The service to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) begins June 26, 2026 and will run through October 24, 2026, operating four times weekly on Boeing 777 widebody aircraft. Each flight offers 28 business class and 374 economy seats, along with substantial belly hold capacity for freight.
Hello, Dhaka! 🇧🇩✈️
Starting 26 June 2026, we’re launching seasonal nonstop flights between Abu Dhabi and Dhaka.
Fly direct on board the Etihad 777 and discover Bangladesh, a destination close to the heart of one of the UAE’s largest communities.
Book now at… pic.twitter.com/CUt2PmSPuE
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) April 8, 2026
A route shaped by trade and diaspora ties
The UAE hosts one of the largest Bangladeshi communities in the world, creating steady demand for direct air links between the two countries. For Etihad, the route addresses that demand while also tapping into Bangladesh’s export-driven economy, particularly its globally significant garment and textile sector.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves described Dhaka as a priority market for the airline.
“Dhaka is a strategically important market, with strong and sustained demand across both passenger and cargo segments,” Neves said. “This service allows us to deploy capacity where it is most needed, strengthening links between Bangladesh, the UAE and key global markets.”
The widebody aircraft deployed on the route will help move cargo more reliably for Bangladeshi exporters, who rely heavily on air freight to reach buyers across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.
Neves noted the route’s significance for the country’s textile industry in particular, adding that it will enhance Abu Dhabi’s broader connectivity across South Asia.
Connecting the diaspora
Beyond point-to-point travel between Abu Dhabi and Dhaka, Etihad is positioning the service as a connector for Bangladeshi communities living farther afield. Travelers from the United Kingdom, Italy, and North America will be able to route through Abu Dhabi to reach Dhaka, giving the airline a play for diaspora traffic that might otherwise flow through competing hubs.
The seasonal timing which runs through late October suggests Etihad is testing the market before committing to year-round operations.
Flight schedule
The service operates on the following schedule from June 26 to October 24, 2026:
Abu Dhabi to Dhaka (EY382) Departs 22:00 local time, arrives 04:50 local time the following day
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
Dhaka to Abu Dhabi (EY383) Departs 21:35 local time, arrives 00:40 local time the following day
Days: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
