Etihad takes off for Dhaka with sold-out inaugural flight

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, launched its inaugural flight to Dhaka on 26 June, operating a sold-out B777 to the capital of Bangladesh. The route strengthens trade and cargo connectivity across the South Asia corridor and responds to sustained demand for both passenger travel and logistics between the UAE and Bangladesh.

Launch Details
- Inaugural flight EY382 departed Abu Dhabi on 26 June at 22:00, arriving in Dhaka the next morning.
- Operated by a Boeing 777 with 28 lie-flat Business seats and 374 Economy seats.
- The flight was fully booked, underscoring strong demand.

Schedule & Connectivity
- Service runs four times weekly.
- Widebody aircraft provides significant cargo capacity, supporting Bangladesh’s garment and textile exports.
- Abu Dhabi acts as a gateway to Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

Strategic Importance
- Strengthens ties between the UAE and Bangladesh, home to one of the largest Bangladeshi communities abroad.
- Supports both passenger travel and logistics, enhancing trade flows across the South Asia corridor.

Passenger Experience
- Travelers can use Etihad’s Abu Dhabi stopover programme, exploring landmarks like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and the new Zayed National Museum before continuing onward.

This launch is a smart move: it taps into diaspora demand, boosts cargo for Bangladesh’s key industries, and positions Abu Dhabi as a central hub for South Asia-Europe/North America flows.