Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will launch a seasonal service to Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 26 June 2026. This move strengthens trade and cargo links across the South Asia corridor and responds to the strong, sustained demand for travel and logistics between the UAE and Bangladesh.

The four-times weekly service to Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) will strengthen connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Bangladesh, while supporting the continued expansion of cargo flows alongside passenger demand across the airline’s global network. Abu Dhabi serves as a key gateway for trade between South Asia and international markets.

Operated by Etihad’s Boeing 777 aircraft, the service will offer 28 Business and 374 Economy seats, providing significant widebody bellyhold capacity to support growing cargo flows alongside passenger demand on a route critical to trade, business connectivity, and family travel.

This service forms part of Etihad’s phased approach to rebuilding and expanding its network, as the airline deploys capacity in line with demand across key markets.

AntonoAntonoaldo Neves, Etihad’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Dhaka is a strategically important market, with strong, sustained demand across both passenger and cargo segments. This service allows us to strengthen links and trade flows between Bangladesh, the UAE, and key global markets, and support export-driven industries such as textiles while enhancing Abu Dhabi’s connectivity across South Asia.” This service allows us to deploy capacity where it is most needed, strengthening trade flows between Bangladesh, the UAE and key global markets.”

“The route plays an important role in supporting export-driven industries, particularly in sectors such as textiles. It also enhances Abu Dhabi’s connectivity across South Asia.” The UAE is home to one of the largest Bangladeshi communities in the world. The new service will provide a direct and efficient link for families, alongside seamless onward connections via Abu Dhabi.

Bangladesh continues to see strong economic growth, with its globally significant garment and textile sector driving progress. Introducing widebody capacity on the route enables reliable and efficient cargo movement, particularly for Bangladesh’s garment and textile sector. This change supports exporters by improving their access to markets across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

The seasonal service will also open valuable connections for significant Bangladeshi diaspora communities in the United Kingdom, Italy, and North America. Travellers will be able to fly via Abu Dhabi to Dhaka with ease. The route will serve both point-to-point travellers between Abu Dhabi and Dhaka, as well as those connecting beyond.