Shenzhen to Abu Dhabi (SZX–AUH) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
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No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
SZX–AUH is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Etihad Airways leads the route. The flight covers 3,720 miles in approximately 8h 22m. Beyond nonstop, 32 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EY Etihad Airways | 2 | 77X | 8h22 | – | – | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Other ways to reach Abu Dhabi from Shenzhen
| Metric | SZX→AUH | HKG→AUH |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from SZX | – | 24 mi |
| Nonstop airlines | 1 | 1 |
| Weekly flights | 2 | 15 |
| Flight time | 8h 22m | 8h 17m |
Travel Essentials
SZX: CST · AUH: +04
When it's 6:00 PM in Shenzhen, it's 2:00 PM in Abu Dhabi.
Chinese passport holders get visa-free entry to the UAE for stays up to 30 days. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. This visa-free arrangement started in January 2018. You receive a free entry stamp at immigration with no advance application needed.
The 30-day stay can be extended once for an additional 30 days at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship offices. The extension fee is AED 600 (about CNY 1,200). For work or long-term stays, your UAE sponsor or employer must arrange the visa. Each emirate handles immigration separately, but the visa-free entry works at all UAE airports.
Shenzhen Metro Line 11 (Airport Express) runs from Futian or Luohu to the airport in 35–50 minutes (¥20–30). Trains run from 6am to around midnight. This is the standard option for arrivals from central Shenzhen and the Hong Kong border crossing at Futian.
Taxis from downtown Shenzhen (Luohu/Futian) cost ¥60–100 and take 30–50 minutes depending on expressway traffic. High-speed rail connections exist but require a shuttle or metro link from Shenzhen North station.
Careem and Uber serve the airport at AED 45–70 to downtown Abu Dhabi (25–40 min). Official taxis at the curb: AED 50–80. Bus E101 to Central Bus Station costs AED 4 and takes 45 minutes but runs infrequently; verify schedule before relying on it.For Dubai: shared taxis from the airport cost AED 75–100/seat; private taxis AED 200–350 (90–120 min). Rental car desks are in the arrivals hall. The new terminal (Terminal A opened 2023) handles most Etihad flights; confirm which terminal for ground transport.
Hyper-arid desert climate on the Arabian Gulf coast. Summers (June–September) are extreme at 38–47°C with very high humidity. Outdoor exposure is extreme in July and August. Ground handling and ramp operations are affected by heat protocols. Haboob (sandstorm) events reduce visibility and may cause ground stops.
Winter (December–February) is the peak travel season at 18–27°C with clear skies and minimal disruption risk. The airport almost never sees rain. When rain does occur (typically December–February), local drainage infrastructure can briefly flood access roads. Overall, AUH is one of the most operationally consistent major hubs globally.
SZX–AUH Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from SZX to AUH
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) and Zayed International Airport (AUH) are connected by nonstop service from Etihad Airways. With 2 weekly departures, this is a regularly served route.
SZX to AUH Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from SZX to AUH ranges from 8 hours 22 minutes. The route covers a distance of 3,720 miles (5,986 km). There are approximately 2 weekly flights outbound and 3 return, totaling 5 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
32 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 11 hours via DWC. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs. Nearby alternative airports include Hong Kong (HKG).