Etihad Airways Kicks Off Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Spectacular Flypast

Abu Dhabi – Etihad Airways gave fans a thrilling start to the 2025 Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a low-altitude flypast over Yas Marina Circuit at just 500 feet. The aerial display, a celebrated race day tradition, has become the signature moment that ushers in the final race of the region’s biggest sport-and-entertainment weekend.

The Airbus A380, piloted by Etihad’s senior flight crew including Captain Adel Al Zubaidi, Captain Azizan Bin Othman, Captain Harris Kynigos, and Captain Abdulla Alafeefi, executed a precisely timed twilight flypast as the circuit transitioned from sunset into floodlit night racing.

Adding to the spectacle, the Al Fursan Aerobatic Team painted the skies with red, green, and black smoke trails in a tribute to the UAE flag.

“Yas Marina Circuit is incredible from the air, and knowing tens of thousands of people are watching makes it very special,” said Captain Adel Al Zubaidi. “To represent my country and fly over the track just after the national anthem is a proud moment. It’s a privilege to showcase the UAE while the eyes of the world are upon us.”

This flypast marked Captain Al Zubaidi’s eighth Grand Prix appearance in the skies above Yas Marina Circuit. He also led the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix flypast in 2009, piloting the first Etihad-liveried A340.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the most exhilarating events in the city, drawing thousands of visitors from around the globe. Etihad’s flypast has been a tradition since the first race in 2009, and we are proud to see our aircraft, alongside the talented Al Fursan jets, soar over this spectacular circuit.”

As the Grand Prix’s title partner, Etihad Airways brought thousands of fans from nearly 90 destinations. Guests enjoyed exclusive trackside hospitality on the Hill, while the F1 Village featured Etihad activations, including a culinary showcase, children’s activities, and racing simulators for fans to experience the excitement of the Grand Prix firsthand.