Etihad Airways Launches Daily Airbus A380 Service to Tokyo Narita

Etihad Airways will operate its Airbus A380 aircraft daily between Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) starting on June 16, 2026. This new service aims to meet growing demand for travel between the UAE and Japan during peak travel months. The introduction of the A380 will enhance capacity on this popular route, marking a significant upgrade from the airline’s current operations.

The decision to deploy the A380 is facilitated by the reactivation of an eighth aircraft in Etihad’s fleet. Currently, the airline operates daily flights using its Airbus A350-1000s, which seat 371 passengers. Transitioning to the A380 will increase capacity by an additional 115 seats per flight, accommodating a total of 486 passengers.

Details of the New Route

The daily flight schedule includes the outbound leg, EY800, departing Abu Dhabi at 21:25 and arriving in Tokyo at 12:45 the following day. After a layover of just over five hours, the return flight, EY801, will leave Tokyo at 18:00, reaching Abu Dhabi at 00:20 the next day. This schedule provides convenient timing for both leisure and business travelers.

Etihad Airways’ Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, highlighted that the decision to introduce the A380 was largely driven by “strong demand from customers for more seats to Japan.” He emphasized the importance of business travel between the two nations, noting their “deep economic and cultural ties.”

Enhanced Onboard Experience

The Airbus A380 will offer a unique onboard experience, featuring luxurious options not available on the A350. The upper deck includes the prestigious three-room ‘Residence’ suite, which accommodates two guests and is complemented by 11 first-class seats. The upper deck also features 70 business class flatbeds arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing a spacious and private setting for travelers.

In contrast, the lower deck will house 405 economy class seats, primarily arranged in a 10-abreast configuration. This comprehensive seating arrangement underscores Etihad’s effort to provide an elevated travel experience, particularly for passengers seeking premium services.

Etihad Airways currently provides the only non-stop connection between Abu Dhabi and Tokyo’s main airports. In comparison, its regional competitor, Emirates, operates daily flights from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to both Tokyo Narita and Tokyo Haneda using the A380 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, respectively.

As the airline prepares for this capacity expansion, it further underscores the resurgence of travel demand in the wake of recent global disruptions. The reactivation of the A380 fleet demonstrates Etihad’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience while meeting evolving market needs.