Etihad Airways doubles Kabul flights to twice daily as demand accelerates
Etihad Airways is to double its flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul from 15 July 2026, with the route's rapid growth since launch prompting the airline to add a second daily service in each direction.
Route Expansion
- Launch: March 2026 (4x weekly)
- New Schedule (from 15 July 2026): Double-daily flights in each direction
- Aircraft: Airbus A320 (8 Business, 150 Economy)
- Reason: Demand has exceeded expectations — both point-to-point and connecting traffic via Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
Flight Schedule (from 15 July 2026)
Strategic Importance
- Community Links: UAE hosts one of the Gulf’s largest Afghan communities.
- Flexibility: More departure choices for family, business, and leisure travellers.
- Connectivity: Strengthens Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub linking Afghanistan to Europe and beyond.
Leadership Quote
Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue & Commercial Officer:
> “The response to our Kabul launch has been exceptional. Demand has remained strong from day one, and moving to double-daily is a direct reflection of what our guests have been telling us with their bookings.”
✨ Takeaway: Etihad’s swift move to double-daily flights underscores Kabul’s growing importance in regional aviation and highlights Abu Dhabi’s positioning as a gateway hub for Afghan travellers connecting globally.
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