Last week, we reported that Etihad would begin carrying passengers to the United Arab Emirates once more. However, the UAE carrier has today gone one step further by announcing direct flights between Melbourne and London.

The United Arab Emirates had been closed to incoming passengers for around a month when, last week, the airline announced that it would begin to fly UAE nationals and permanent residents to the country once more. Now, as the airline slowly looks to ramp up operations, it is launching its first connecting flight.

The route is London to Melbourne via Abu Dhabi. The flight will mean that passengers between the two cities now have a choice of Qatar Airways or Etihad.

First connecting flight in over a month

On Friday, Etihad will operate its first connecting passenger flight in over a month. The United Arab Emirates carrier will operate a direct trip from Melbourne to London. The new service will run once a week. However, passengers will have to wait longer for the direct flight from London to Melbourne.

The flight will operate to the following schedule according to the Business Traveller:

  • EY463 will depart from Melbourne (MEL) at 21:45. After a night flight, the aircraft will arrive in Abu Dhabi at 05:55 the next day.
  • Passengers will then remain on the aircraft while it is refueled, and crew changed.
  • EY19 will then depart from Abu Dhabi at 07:15 before touching down in London (LHR) at 11:50.
Etihad, Melbourne, London
Etihad is hoping passengers feel safe to fly with them and transfer through Abu Dhabi airport. Photo: Etihad Airways

According to Etihad, the first flight from Melbourne to London will take place this Friday. Meanwhile, the first flight in the other direction is scheduled for a week later on the 21st of May. This flight will operate as follows:

  • EY20 will depart from London at 13:20, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 23:25.
  • Passengers will then remain on the aircraft while it is refueled, and crew changed.
  • EY460 will then depart from Abu Dhabi at 00:45 the next day, arriving back in Melbourne at 20:15.

How can you book these flights?

According to Etihad, these flights can be booked via the airline's booking website or contact center. At the time of writing, Simple Flying was unable to find tickets for sale for the flight via the airline's booking engine.

etihad plane getty images
Etihad provides an essential link between Abu Dhabi and Pakistan. Photo: Getty Images

Last week the airline announced that it was slowly reintroducing inbound Abu Dhabi flights to its portfolio.

Like the airline's inbound flights to Abu Dhabi, catering will be provided onboard the aircraft, following current virus transmission guidelines. Additionally, the airline recommends that passengers observe frequent hand washing and wear masks for the duration of their journey. In return, the airline will try to allocate as much space as possible between passengers.

However, unlike the inbound flights, Etihad has not said that passengers will require any form of clearance before booking the trip.

Will you be looking to avail of Etihad's new connection? Let us know what you think and why in the comments!