UAE-Afghanistan travel: Etihad Airways doubles Kabul flights to twice daily
Enhanced connectivity via Abu Dhabi hub extends to Europe and beyond
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways will double its Abu Dhabi-Kabul flights to twice daily from 15 July 2026, marking a rapid expansion just months after the route’s launch.
The service, which began in March 2026 with four weekly flights, has seen demand significantly outpace expectations. Strong traffic from both point-to-point passengers and those connecting via Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport has driven the increase.
The enhanced schedule is set to improve travel options for passengers travelling for family, business and leisure between Afghanistan and the UAE, while also strengthening onward connectivity to Europe and other global destinations.
Rising demand
Demand for the route has significantly exceeded expectations since its launch in March 2026. Initially operated four times weekly, the service has quickly scaled up due to strong uptake from both point-to-point travellers and connecting passengers using Abu Dhabi as a hub.
The Airbus A320 aircraft, configured with eight Business and 150 Economy seats, continues to operate the route, offering more choice in departure times for passengers travelling between Afghanistan and the UAE regionally now.
UAE-Afghanistan travel
Afghanistan’s longstanding ties with the UAE are reflected in the growing demand, with the country hosting one of the Gulf’s largest Afghan communities. The expanded schedule is expected to provide greater flexibility for hundreds of thousands of Afghans living and working across the UAE, as well as those engaged in trade and business links between the two nations. The service supports travel for family, business and leisure purposes across countries.
Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer Arik De said response to the Kabul launch has been exceptional, with sustained demand since day one driving the shift to double daily operations, describing it as part of the airline’s responsive network development strategy.