Etihad adds second daily Sydney flight

Abu Dhabi : Etihad Airways will increase its service between Abu Dhabi and Sydney to twice daily from December 15, adding capacity ahead of Australia's summer travel season. The UAE carrier currently operates 10 weekly flights on the route and will add four more, bringing the schedule to two departures each day. All services will use Airbus A350 aircraft, providing more than 5,000 seats per week between the two cities. Etihad has served Sydney since 2007. The additional flights are expected to give passengers more options for connections through Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. The airline said the expanded schedule will also provide greater access to Abu Dhabi for Australian travelers, including those using the carrier's stopover program. The program offers eligible passengers complimentary one- or two-night hotel stays. Passengers traveling onward to Sydney can also connect through Etihad's interline partners, including Qantas, Jetstar and Air New Zealand, to reach destinations in Australia and New Zealand. Etihad Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De said the additional service would improve flexibility for travelers and strengthen connections through Abu Dhabi. Etihad also operates a daily Abu Dhabi-Melbourne service using Boeing 787 aircraft, giving it two Australian destinations from its Abu Dhabi hub.