Air China touched down at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) for the first time on January 24, 2026.
The flight carried 278 passengers, completing the inaugural service of the new nonstop route between the Chinese and Emirati capitals.
The Boeing 787 widebody operated as flight CA 705, launching what the carrier describes as its first new international route of 2026. The service establishes the first direct air link between Beijing and Abu Dhabi operated by a Chinese airline, though Etihad Airways has long connected the two cities from the opposite direction.
Air China will operate the route four times weekly using Boeing 787. The Dreamliner configuration typically seats between 250 and 300 passengers depending on cabin layout, making it well-suited for the long-haul service between the two capital cities.
The route is served by flights CA705/6 with aircraft Boeing 787 on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
The route adds to Air China’s expanding Middle East network and provides an alternative to existing one-stop itineraries that typically route through Gulf hubs or Asian transfer points. For the Beijing-based flag carrier, the launch represents a strategic addition to its international footprint as Chinese airlines gradually rebuild their pre-pandemic long-haul networks.
The timing of the launch coincides with growing aviation ties between China and the United Arab Emirates, as both countries work to expand bilateral connectivity for business and leisure travelers. Industry observers noted the route could support increased traffic flows under the Belt and Road Initiative framework, though immediate demand projections were not made public.
Air China joins other Chinese carriers in gradually expanding their international route maps following years of constrained long-haul operations. The Boeing 787’s fuel efficiency and range make it a logical choice for markets where demand is building but not yet at the level required for larger twin-aisle aircraft.
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