The UAE's "Etihad Airways" plans to expand its services between Sydney in Australia and Abu Dhabi by operating the Airbus A350-1000, with the aim of raising the level of services provided to travelers and expanding travel options to this Australian destination.
A press release published on the Etihad Airways website explained that from next October 1, Etihad will add the A350 to the Sydney schedule on selected flights, complementing the Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner that currently serves this route, with both aircraft offering the latest Business Class cabins.
From January 31, 2026, Etihad Airways will operate all 10 of its weekly flights to Sydney using Airbus A350 aircraft. Melbourne flights will be operated with Boeing B787-9 aircraft equipped with new Business Class cabins, raising the total seat capacity on this route.
For his part, Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, explained that the company is offering more travel options to Australia with the launch of its Airbus A350 aircraft on this important route.
He added that once the schedule is completed early next year, the airline will record a 10% increase in total available seats and an increase of more than 20% in the number of Business and First Class seats.
He noted that Etihad Airways has increased the number of its flights to Sydney this year, giving its customers greater flexibility and connections across its growing global network and to key destinations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, while more visitors are welcomed at its home base in Abu Dhabi, where they can try the Abu Dhabi Stopover program with a free stay of one or two nights at a luxury hotel.
Etihad Airways operates Airbus A350 aircraft powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, which help reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions by 25% compared with previous models. The aircraft has 44 Business Class seats, all with sliding doors and seats that convert into a 79-inch flat bed, with dedicated storage space.
The aircraft also has 327 Economy Class seats, equipped with 13-inch touch screens and Bluetooth headphone connectivity options. All passengers can use Wi-Fi with free chat packages or paid internet browsing packages.
Abu Dhabi-Sydney Flight Schedule From October 1, 2025
Flight EY450: Departs Abu Dhabi at 10:25 and arrives in Sydney at 06:10 the next morning, on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, using a Boeing B787-9.
Flight EY451: Departs Sydney at 15:40 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 00:05 the next morning, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, using a Boeing B787-9.
Flight EY454: Departs Abu Dhabi at 21:15 and arrives in Sydney at 16:55 the next day, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, using an Airbus A350.
Flight EY455: Departs Sydney at 21:30 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 06:00 the next morning, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, using an Airbus A350.
Flight EY454, Fridays only: Departs Abu Dhabi at 21:15 and arrives in Sydney at 16:55 the next day, using a Boeing B787-9.
Flight EY455, Saturdays only: Departs Sydney at 21:30 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 06:00 the next day, using a Boeing B787-9.
Abu Dhabi-Sydney Flight Schedule From January 31, 2026
From January 31, 2026, Etihad Airways will operate all its flights with Airbus A350 aircraft, according to the following schedule:
Flight EY450: Departs Abu Dhabi at 09:40 and arrives in Sydney at 06:10 the next day, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Flight EY451: Departs Sydney at 16:20 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 23:55, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Flight EY454: Departs Abu Dhabi at 21:55 and arrives in Sydney at 18:35 the next day, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Flight EY455: Departs Sydney at 21:30 and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 05:00 the next morning, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays.
To view the post on the Etihad Airways website, click here.
