Etihad Airways is set to launch new passenger and cargo services to Dhaka, aiming to strengthen air freight connectivity between the UAE and Bangladesh.
The introduction of flights to Dhaka is expected to significantly boost cargo capacity on the busy UAE–Bangladesh corridor, which is driven by strong demand for garments, perishables, and general cargo. The route will provide exporters with faster and more reliable access to key global markets via Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub.
Industry sources indicate that the new service will support Bangladesh’s thriving ready-made garments (RMG) sector, enabling quicker shipments to Europe and North America. It will also facilitate increased movement of pharmaceuticals, electronics, and e-commerce consignments.
With the addition of Dhaka, Etihad Airways continues to expand its South Asia network, aligning with its strategy to capture growing cargo volumes in emerging markets. The airline’s integrated cargo division is expected to leverage the route to optimise capacity utilisation and improve turnaround times.
The move comes amid rising demand for air freight services in the region, as businesses seek faster alternatives to sea transport in the face of ongoing supply chain disruptions and geopolitical uncertainties.
Market analysts believe the Dhaka launch will further deepen trade ties between the UAE and Bangladesh, while enhancing Etihad’s position in the competitive air cargo sector.