Following the inaugural flight, the regular weekly service will commence on July 6. ​

Etihad Airways inaugural flight EY888 landed in Beijing on Thursday morning at 05:25 (local time), becoming the first regular direct international passenger service to return to Beijing under the latest mandate of the Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism of the State Council.

The flight is the first direct passenger service from Abu Dhabi to Beijing since March 23, 2020.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, "Today marks a significant moment in Etihad’s history as passenger flights resume to Beijing for the first time in over 800 days. The direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Beijing will undoubtedly facilitate the deepening of bilateral cooperation in various fields and promote stronger bonds among the people of the two nations.

"As global travel restrictions rapidly ease, Etihad is equipped to further increase operations to China and meet the rising demand from travellers in both locations to support the recovery of economic and social activities worldwide," Douglas added.

Ahmed Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President, Government International & Communications, Etihad Aviation Group, commented, "Etihad continues to deliver on its commitment to facilitating a resilient and prosperous air bridge between the UAE and China, and beyond. This maintains passenger and cargo movement and supports economic and political exchanges between both nations."

Following the inaugural flight, the regular weekly service will commence on July 6.

WAM