Etihad Airways has signed a strategic codeshare agreement with Taipei-based STARLUX Airlines, enhancing customer access to Northeast Asia and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a key gateway between East and West.

Announced at the International Air Transport Association Annual General Meeting in New Delhi, the partnership allows Etihad customers seamless connections to important Japanese cities such as Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka via Taipei. Meanwhile, STARLUX passengers gain direct access to Etihad’s European network through Abu Dhabi.

Etihad will launch daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Taipei on 7 September 2025, operated by Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. This new route lays the foundation for the codeshare and positions Taipei as a strategic hub for Etihad’s expansion into Northeast Asia.

Customers booking via etihad.com and the airline’s mobile app will benefit from single-ticket bookings, coordinated check-in, and automatic baggage transfers across STARLUX’s Asia-Pacific network.

For STARLUX passengers, the agreement opens new routes to European cities including Prague, Madrid, and Barcelona via Abu Dhabi, establishing the emirate as an appealing transit hub for Asian travellers bound for Europe.

Both airlines will roll out joint marketing campaigns in Taiwan and introduce a reciprocal frequent flyer programme by year-end, enabling Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem miles on both carriers.

Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said the partnership “opens new market opportunities in Northeast Asia, giving our customers access to Japan’s key business and leisure destinations through Taipei.” He added that STARLUX’s premium service perfectly complements Etihad’s standards, offering travellers greater choice and convenience across three continents.

Simon Liu, STARLUX Airlines’ Chief Strategy Officer, described the partnership as a “significant milestone” in the airline’s global expansion. He noted that leveraging Abu Dhabi as a major hub would enable STARLUX to rapidly extend its network into Europe while delivering an exceptional passenger experience through enhanced mileage accrual and premium services.

This codeshare builds on Etihad’s network growth, which now serves over 90 destinations worldwide. It further cements Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a premium transit destination with world-class facilities at Zayed International Airport and the option for travellers to extend layovers through Etihad’s complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover programme.

Codeshare flights will be bookable via etihad.com, the Etihad app, and travel partners once regulatory approvals are secured.