Published on
November 8, 2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE and Hong Kong, China have entered a new era of air connectivity as Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines announce an expanded partnership featuring a new codeshare agreement and reciprocal loyalty benefits. The initiative, launched in November 2025, boosts tourism flows by simplifying travel across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, while bringing more flexibility and value to business and leisure travelers.
Seamless Codeshare Connectivity to Tourism Hubs
Under the new deal, Etihad Airways passengers can now book Hong Kong Airlines-operated flights from Hong Kong to key Japanese destinations such as Fukuoka, Sapporo, Osaka, and Okinawa. Travel between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi on Hong Kong Airlines will now carry the Etihad ‘EY’ code, enabling travelers to book one ticket, check in only once, and enjoy through-checked baggage to their final destination.
This seamless connectivity means travelers from Asia and the Middle East now have effortless access to vibrant tourism markets in Japan, the UAE, and beyond. The codeshare is designed to make multi-destination travel for vacationers, families, and business travelers smoother than ever before.
Loyalty Partnership Elevates Tourism Spend
A major innovation in the partnership is the integration between Etihad Guest and Fortune Wings Club. Soon, members of either loyalty program will be able to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ full networks. Travelers can accrue rewards whether flying Etihad between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi or connecting onward to Japan and throughout Asia with Hong Kong Airlines, multiplying the incentives to choose this network for both short- and long-haul journeys.
This loyalty tie-up increases return visitation and encourages longer stays, as travelers look to maximize their points and status, strengthening tourism revenue in all participating regions.
Strengthening Abu Dhabi as a Tourism Bridge
The agreement positions Abu Dhabi as a central aviation bridge between Greater China, Japan, and the Middle East. Etihad’s expanded network now provides easier access to not just GCC destinations, but also European and African tourism hot spots via the Abu Dhabi hub, fueling growth in stopover programs and multi-country itineraries.
Strong aviation links reinforce Abu Dhabi’s role in global business and tourism, and the partnership capitalizes on the emirate’s cutting-edge infrastructure and hospitality.
Growing Demand and International Connectivity
Both airlines have cited rising demand from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Asia, especially as global tourism volumes rebound. The expanded codeshare opens popular leisure and business destinations to travelers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and neighboring Gulf markets. For Hong Kong, the deal supports its status as an international gateway and strengthens ties with both regional and long-haul tourism source markets.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The renewed partnership comes as Hong Kong Airlines returns to the global stage and Etihad grows its global footprint with new Asian and North African routes. By deepening codeshare and commercial collaboration, both airlines are set to increase tourism flows, drive trade, and create new business opportunities between Hong Kong, Japan, Abu Dhabi, and beyond.
What Travelers Should Know
- The partnership enables one-ticket, single check-in, and through baggage for journeys between the Middle East and Asia.
- Etihad Guest and Fortune Wings Club members soon benefit from reciprocal earn-and-redeem miles and status recognition.
- The agreement extends travel options to vibrant tourism destinations in Japan via Hong Kong, and from Hong Kong throughout the Middle East, Europe, and Africa via Abu Dhabi.
Conclusion
The new codeshare and loyalty agreement between Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines sets a new standard for seamless, value-driven international travel, widening the tourism corridor linking Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong, Japan, and beyond. The partnership will increase connectivity, ease of booking, and travel rewards, powering tourism growth and reinforcing both Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong as premier regional travel hubs in the years ahead.
Image Credit: Etihad Airways
