UAE-Afghanistan travel: Kabul flights go daily as Etihad Airways expands network reach from Abu Dhabi
New schedule begins weeks after successful route debut
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways is set to increase its flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul to a daily service from 1 May 2026, responding to sustained demand just weeks after the route’s launch.
The move marks a rapid scale-up for a service that began operations on 20 March with four weekly flights. Early performance has highlighted strong passenger uptake across both direct and connecting segments, reinforcing the route’s importance within the airline’s network.
The expansion comes as part of Etihad’s broader strategy to align capacity with market demand while strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a global transit hub linking key regional and international destinations.
More flights, more connectivity ✈️
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) April 9, 2026
From 1 May 2026, Etihad’s Abu Dhabi–Kabul service increases to daily flights, following strong demand since launch.
The expanded schedule strengthens connectivity for travellers across Etihad’s global network.
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Abu Dhabi-Kabul route
Since its launch, the Kabul route has quickly established itself as a vital air bridge, connecting Afghanistan with the UAE and beyond. Passenger traffic has been driven by a mix of point-to-point travellers and those transiting through Abu Dhabi to destinations across Europe and North America.
The service is operated using Airbus A320 aircraft configured with eight Business Class and 150 Economy seats, offering a balance of comfort and efficiency.
| Flight | From | Departure Time | To | Arrival Time | Days | Aircraft |
| EY310 | Abu Dhabi | 14:45 | Kabul | 18:15 | Daily | A320 |
| EY311 | Kabul | 19:20 | Abu Dhabi | 22:10 | Daily | A320 |
With the shift to daily operations, passengers will gain increased flexibility, while benefiting from smoother connections via Zayed International Airport to cities including London, Frankfurt, Charlotte, Toronto and Washington.
UAE-Afghanistan travel
The UAE is home to one of the largest Afghan expatriate communities in the Gulf, with hundreds of thousands living and working across the country. The introduction of daily flights is expected to further strengthen these ties, making travel more accessible for families while supporting business, trade and cultural exchange.
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, said demand on the Kabul route has remained consistently strong since launch, reflecting growing connectivity needs between Afghanistan, the UAE and wider global markets. He noted that increasing frequency enables greater convenience for travellers while reinforcing the airline’s commitment to supporting diaspora connections and economic links.
Etihad’s network
The Kabul frequency increase forms part of Etihad’s phased network expansion approach, where routes are scaled based on performance and demand trends. The airline continues to prioritise connectivity between Abu Dhabi and key markets across the Middle East, South Asia and beyond.