Etihad Airways has entered into a strategic codeshare agreement with Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines, aiming to improve connectivity between the Middle East and Northeast Asia. The announcement was made during the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi.
Under the agreement, Etihad customers will be able to connect to several Japanese cities including Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei. In return, STARLUX passengers will gain access to Etihad’s European destinations through Abu Dhabi.
Etihad is set to begin daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei starting 7th September 2025. The route will be operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and will serve as the foundation for the new partnership, making Taipei a key transit point in Etihad’s Northeast Asia operations.
“This partnership with STARLUX Airlines opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan’s key business and leisure destinations through Taipei,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways.
Simon Liu, Chief Strategy Officer of STARLUX Airlines, added, “Our partnership with Etihad Airways marks a significant milestone in STARLUX Airlines’ global expansion, laying the foundation for future European routes.”
This development is part of Etihad’s broader network growth strategy, which now includes more than 90 destinations globally.
