Etihad Airways flights between Sydney and Abu Dhabi will soon be operated by the A350-1000 aircraft. It will bring enhanced comfort and a more premium Business Class experience to its Australian customers.
The Middle Eastern airline serves over 120 destinations, with a range of popular destinations in Europe. See our Etihad Airways Business Class deal to Europe, with fares starting at just $7,263 return from Melbourne to Barcelona!
Beginning 1 October, the A350 will join the Sydney schedule on select Etihad Airways flights. This will be alongside the B787-9 Dreamliner that currently serves the route. By the end of January in 2026, Etihad will fully transition its 10 weekly Sydney routes to A350 operations.
Thus, offering Business Class travellers a next-generation travel experience on their way to Europe. Melbourne will offer Etihad’s latest 787-9 aircraft which features the new Business Suites.
From October 1, the A350 will depart Sydney on flight EY455 at 21:30 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 6:00 in the morning the following day. A350 flights will operate four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The return flight on EY454 will leave Abu Dhabi at 21:15 in the evening and arrive the next afternoon in Sydney at 16:55. These return flights on the A350 will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
As of 31 January 2026, all operating Etihad Airways flights between Sydney and Abu Dhabi will change to the A350. See the chart below for the flight schedule.
According to Etihad, the A350 sets a new standard in the industry, with innovation and comfort at the heart of the design. This new product features 44 Business Suites equipped with closing sliding doors for a more private experience. The optimised flight schedules enhance flexibility for Business Class travellers connecting to Abu Dhabi and beyond.
Furthermore, guests will face forward and all will have direct aisle access in the 1-2-1 configuration. The seat transforms into a comfortable fully flat bed of 79 inches long and features ample storage for your convenience. Entertainment onboard is extensive, paired with noise-calling headphones and an 18.5-inch TV screen is sure to provide a cinematic experience. What’s even better? This Etihad Airways flight will have seats that also feature a built-in wireless charging dock and Bluetooth headphone pairing. All guests have access to complimentary Chat packages on Wi-Fi or opt for full internet access throughout the whole flight.
“We are delighted to bring more premium travel options to Australia with the arrival of our A350 on this important route. When the schedule is fully deployed early next year, we will have grown overall seat availability by ten per cent, and premium seat count by over 20 per cent,” Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said.
“We have increased our flight frequencies to Sydney this year, offering guests greater flexibility and enhanced connectivity across our expanding global network. This growth provides more seamless travel options to key destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and also welcomes more visitors to our home in Abu Dhabi, where they can enjoy our exclusive stopover program, featuring one or two-night complimentary stays at a premium hotel.”
To be one of the first to fly the A350 route between Sydney and Abu Dhabi, make sure to contact an airfare specialist here. View our Etihad Business Class deal for more information.
