Abu Dhabi Joins Sapporo, Osaka Kansai, Fukuoka, Okinawa as New Code Share with Hong Kong Airlines Boosting Asian Travel, Latest Update is Here

In a major leap for Asian travel, Abu Dhabi has now joined the list of exciting destinations including Sapporo, Osaka Kansai, Fukuoka, and Okinawa under the newly enhanced code share agreement with Hong Kong Airlines. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the growing connectivity between key Asian cities, allowing travellers to easily access more destinations across Asia. By strengthening this strategic alliance, Hong Kong Airlines is making it easier than ever for passengers to explore the vibrant cultures and business opportunities these cities offer. As the world reopens and travel demand surges, this partnership offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Asia like never before. Abu Dhabi now connects seamlessly with top spots like Sapporo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okinawa, offering greater flexibility, convenience, and global reach for all travellers. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this exciting development!

In a bold move that will change the way travellers move across Asia and the Middle East, Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways have announced the relaunch of their highly anticipated codeshare partnership. But that’s not all. The two carriers are also introducing a first-ever loyalty programme reciprocity that will open the doors to enhanced rewards for their members. Whether you’re a business traveller or a leisure seeker, this new alliance promises to offer more than just convenience—it’s set to revolutionise how we travel across continents.

Starting from 3rd November 2025, Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines are bringing their combined network power to the forefront, offering a seamless travel experience that connects major destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. This partnership, now stronger than ever, will offer passengers even greater flexibility, making global travel smoother and more accessible.

Codeshare Partnership Kicks Off with Inaugural Flight Between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong

The inaugural codeshare flight, which took off between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong on 3 November 2025, marks a historic milestone for both airlines. By merging their complementary networks, Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways are offering passengers unprecedented connectivity. Now, travellers flying with Hong Kong Airlines can easily connect to the bustling cities of the Middle East via Abu Dhabi, while those flying with Etihad Airways can seamlessly transition through Hong Kong to explore popular Asian destinations.

For travellers, this codeshare means that instead of booking multiple flights or dealing with complex layovers, they can now enjoy a smooth, single ticket journey across both airlines. It’s an experience that promises to save time, money, and hassle—everything that modern travellers crave.

How Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways Are Changing the Travel Game

Under the new agreement, passengers can enjoy direct access to an extensive selection of destinations. Hong Kong Airlines will place its HX code on Etihad Airways-operated flights between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi, while Etihad Airways will place its EY code on Hong Kong Airlines-operated flights connecting Hong Kong to several top Japanese destinations, including Fukuoka, Sapporo, Okinawa, and Osaka. This expanded network not only broadens your travel options but also allows you to access some of the most sought-after leisure destinations in Asia.

A Seamless Travel Experience: From Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong and Beyond

This partnership creates a pathway for seamless connectivity, particularly for passengers who wish to explore Asia or travel to the Middle East. Those flying from Hong Kong will now be able to easily reach the dynamic cities of the UAE, while passengers from Abu Dhabi can access a wide range of Asian destinations that were previously more difficult to reach.

For business professionals flying from the UAE to Hong Kong, or those seeking a relaxed getaway to Japan, this is the ultimate convenience. It’s clear that both airlines are doubling down on their commitment to customer satisfaction by offering enhanced routes that promise to open doors to new possibilities.

Introducing Loyalty Programme Reciprocity: A Game-Changer for Frequent Flyers

One of the most exciting aspects of this renewed partnership is the introduction of a reciprocal loyalty programme between Hong Kong Airlines’ Fortune Wings Club (FWC) and Etihad Airways’ Etihad Guest programme. This means that frequent flyers on both airlines will enjoy the ability to earn and redeem miles across the entire network of both airlines, regardless of which carrier they choose to fly with.

Starting in the coming months, FWC members will be able to earn reward points and status points when flying with Etihad Airways between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi, while Etihad Guest members can earn Etihad Guest miles and tier miles when flying on select Hong Kong Airlines flights. The introduction of these cross-airline benefits creates a new era for frequent flyers who will now have the flexibility to accumulate and use their miles across two major carriers.

Exclusive Benefits for Frequent Flyers: Unlock More Rewards and Flexibility

This reciprocal agreement not only makes the travel experience more rewarding but also increases the options available for passengers who want to maximize their loyalty rewards. It gives Etihad Guest members an opportunity to earn miles and enjoy benefits on Hong Kong Airlines flights, which are often underutilised by traditional Western carriers. In turn, Hong Kong Airlines’ Fortune Wings Club members can now earn additional points for flights that they may have otherwise been excluded from.

For loyal customers who love earning and redeeming miles, this new system is bound to be a huge win. This means more frequent flyer perks, such as priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and access to luxury lounges, will be within reach for more travellers, making the travel experience even more comfortable and rewarding.

Industry Experts Weigh In: Why This Partnership Matters

Louis Li, Executive Vice President of Hong Kong Airlines, explained that this partnership represents a critical step for the airline as it makes its comeback to the international market. “The expansion of our codeshare and the launch of a reciprocal loyalty programme not only benefit travellers but also lay the foundation for deepened commercial collaboration,” he stated.

Both airlines have been quick to recognise the growing demand for travel between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and Hong Kong and other major Asian cities. In particular, Abu Dhabi plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and tourism between the Middle East and Asia. This renewed partnership will boost business relations and ensure that travellers are presented with greater convenience and value.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, added that this partnership would provide Etihad Guest members with “full earn-and-redeem access” to Hong Kong Airlines’ network. By adding high-demand Japanese destinations to the mix, Etihad Guest members now have access to an entirely new set of exciting travel options. “It underscores our commitment to providing our loyal guests with greater flexibility, broader reach, and superior rewards,” De explained.

Conclusion: The Future of Air Travel Just Got Brighter

In conclusion, the renewed codeshare partnership between Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways represents a major leap forward for global travellers seeking greater flexibility and convenience. The addition of the loyalty programme reciprocity ensures that both frequent flyers and first-time travellers alike will benefit from a seamless travel experience, more destinations to choose from, and increased opportunities to earn valuable rewards.

Whether you’re looking to travel to Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, or Japan, this partnership opens up a world of new possibilities for business and leisure travellers. For the airlines themselves, it’s a clear sign of their commitment to creating a more connected and customer-centric travel network.

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