Etihad Takes Off in Dhaka with Sold-Out Inaugural Flight

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has officially launched its inaugural service to Dhaka, marking a significant milestone in air connectivity between Bangladesh and the Gulf region. The airline’s first flight on the route, operated by a Boeing 777 aircraft, departed Abu Dhabi on June 26 with all seats sold out, underscoring the strong demand for travel between the two countries.
Flight EY382 left Abu Dhabi at 10:00 PM local time and arrived at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka the following morning. The new service will operate four times a week, further strengthening passenger, trade, and cargo links across the South Asia corridor.
The Boeing 777 deployed on the route offers 28 lie-flat Business Class seats and 374 Economy Class seats. In addition to passenger capacity, the aircraft provides substantial belly-hold cargo space, supporting growing freight demand between Bangladesh and the UAE.
Commenting on the launch, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the fully booked inaugural flight reflects the deep ties between the UAE and Bangladesh and the sustained demand across both passenger and cargo segments.
“The UAE is home to one of the largest Bangladeshi communities in the world, and this service provides a direct link for families, businesses and travellers. It also serves as an important gateway for the Bangladeshi diaspora across the GCC, North America and the United Kingdom travelling via Abu Dhabi,” he said.
Industry observers note that the new route is expected to enhance connectivity for Bangladeshi expatriate workers, business travellers, and tourists while also facilitating greater economic engagement between the two countries.
With the addition of Dhaka to its network, Etihad Airways continues to expand its footprint across South Asia, strengthening connections between the region’s communities, businesses, and tourism markets while reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a key global aviation gateway.