Etihad Airways will soon bring its cutting-edge Airbus A350-1000 to Sydney Airport for the first time, replacing its existing 777-300ER and marking a major milestone in the long-standing partnership between the airline and Sydney Airport.
From 1 October 2025, the A350 will commence operations on the Sydney–Abu Dhabi route, and by February 2026, all 10 weekly flights will be exclusively operated by the A350-1000.
Etihad will also increase its flight schedule from daily to 10 flights per week starting 1 July 2025, providing more flexible departure times in the afternoon and evening for passengers departing Sydney.
The A350’s arrival will boost Etihad’s premium cabin capacity by 20 percent, meeting strong demand from corporate, luxury, and high-end leisure travellers.
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said the introduction of the A350 is not only more sustainable but also a testament to Etihad’s confidence in the Sydney market, while offering passengers more choice and an enhanced travel experience. He added that this move reinforces Sydney Airport’s role as Australia’s leading international gateway.
With 25 percent less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous models, the A350 is one of the most efficient aircraft in the world.
Etihad’s latest-generation Business and Economy cabins promise a luxurious and efficient journey to the Middle East, Europe, and beyond, offering 44 private business suites with doors and 327 economy seats.
Forty-five of those economy seats are designated as Economy Space, providing an additional 4 inches of legroom. Curious about what it’s like?
Check out our review of Etihad’s Economy Space offering here: https://traveltalkmedia.com.au/the-tall-the-short-of-it/.
Since 2007, Etihad has been a key player in the Australian market, and from 1 June 2025, passengers will also benefit from seamless domestic connections through Etihad’s new interline agreement with Qantas, following the conclusion of its previous partnership with Virgin Australia.
This latest addition to Sydney Airport’s international lineup further strengthens connectivity for Australians and aligns with the airport’s ongoing strategy to deliver superior service and an outstanding travel experience for all passengers.
Etihad Airways Flight Schedule Abu Dhabi to Sydney from 1 October 2025
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Frequency | Aircraft |
| EY450 | AUH | 10:25 | SYD | 06:10 (+1 day) |
Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun | 787-9 |
| EY451 | SYD | 15:40 | AUH | 00:05 (+1 day) |
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | 787-9 |
| EY454 | AUH | 21:15 | SYD | 16:55 (+1 day) |
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | A350 |
| EY455 | SYD | 21:30 | AUH | 06:00 (+1 day) |
Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | A350 |
| EY454 | AUH | 21:15 | SYD | 16:55 (+1 day) |
Fri | 787-9 |
| EY455 | SYD | 21:30 | AUH | 06:00 (+1 day) |
Sat | 787-9 |
Etihad Airways Flight Schedule Sydney to Abu Dhabi from 31 January 2026
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Aircraft |
| EY450 | AUH | 9:40 | SYD | 6:10 | A350 |
| EY451 | SYD | 16:20 | AUH | 23:55 | A350 |
| EY454 | AUH | 21:55 | SYD | 18:35 | A350 |
| EY455 | SYD | 21:30 | AUH | 5:00 | A350 |
