Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), began its six times per week service to Malaysia on 16 January 2007 between Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysian capital is Etihad's 37th destination and the fourth in the Far East. It currently operates twice-daily services to Bangkok and the non-stop operations to Jakarta and Manila.

The flight to Kuala Lumpur operates daily except Saturday. Flight EY405 departs Abu Dhabi International Airport at 02:40 hours and arrives in KLIA at 13:30 hours. The return flight, EY406, departs KLIA at 15:00 hours and arrives in Abu Dhabi at 18:15 hours.

Passengers on the inaugural flight received a warm welcome from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Tourism Malaysia. The event was attended by Malaysia's Deputy Minister of Transport, YB Datuk Douglas Uggah Embas, and the Chairman of Malaysia Airports, YBhg. Tan Sri Datuk Dr. Aris Othman, who distributed souvenirs to all the passengers.

The Abu Dhabi - KL route is timely as the country celebrates Visit Malaysia Year in 2007. There are over 240 events to attract visitors throughout the year including 50 main events that represent the best from the country such as the Flora Fest, Eye on Malaysia, Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, Petronas Malaysia F1 Grand Prix, Malaysia International Aerospace Exhibition, KL International Tattoo Show, and KL International Buskers' Festival.

During the first nine months of 2006, a total of 168,541 West Asians visited Malaysia, signifying an increase of 20.7% compared to the same period in 2005. Visitors from UAE alone have increased by 18.7% in the same period with 32,238 visitors compared to 27,169 visitors in 2005. With the non-stop direct flight, Malaysia is expected to receive more West Asians in the coming months, as well as Europeans who wish to travel to Malaysia via Abu Dhabi.