Etihad Airways to double flights to Kabul to twice daily as demand increases | News

Etihad Airways will double the number of flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul from July 15, 2026. The route’s rapid growth since launch has prompted the airline to add a second daily service in each direction.

Kabul joined the Etihad network in March 2026, initially four times a week. Demand has far exceeded expectations, with strong adoption from both point-to-point travelers and those using Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport as a hub to connect to Europe and beyond.

The route is flown by Airbus A320 aircraft, configured with eight Business and 150 Economy seats. With flights operating twice daily, travelers between Afghanistan and the UAE will have significantly more choice in terms of departure times, whether they are traveling for family, business or leisure.

Afghanistan has long-standing ties with the UAE, which is home to one of the largest Afghan communities in the Gulf. For the hundreds of thousands of Afghans living and working across the country, and for those with business and trade links between the two countries, the expanded scheme provides a more flexible and better connected service.

Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: “The response to our launch in Kabul has been exceptional. Demand has remained strong from day one and the move to double-daily is a direct reflection of what our guests have told us with their bookings.

“This rapid expansion is another example of the strategic approach we are taking to network development, allowing us to respond quickly to the needs of our guests and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a key gateway connecting regional markets to our global network.”