• Doubling the services reflects strong links between Abu Dhabi and Afghanistan, supporting diaspora connectivity, trade and travel

Abu Dhabi, UAE - 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.

Kabul joined the Etihad network in March 2026, initially operating four times weekly. Demand has significantly exceeded expectations, with strong take-up from both point-to-point travellers and those using Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport as a hub to connect onwards to Europe and beyond.

The route is flown by Airbus A320 aircraft configured with eight Business and 150 Economy seats. With double-daily flights now in place, travellers between Afghanistan and the UAE will have considerably more choice over departure times, whether travelling for family, business or leisure.

Afghanistan has longstanding ties with the UAE, which is home to one of the Gulf's largest Afghan communities. For the hundreds of thousands of Afghans living and working across the country, as well as those with business and trade connections between the two nations, the expanded schedule offers a more flexible and better-connected service.

Arik De, Etihad's Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said: "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.

"This rapid expansion is another example of the strategic approach we take to network development, allowing us to respond quickly to the wishes of our guests, and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s rile as an important gateway connecting regional markets with our global network."

Kabul Flight Schedule from 15 July 2026

Flight

From

Departure

To

Arrival

Frequency

Aircraft

EY310

Abu Dhabi

14:45

Kabul

18:15

Daily

A320

EY311

Kabul

19:20

Abu Dhabi

22:10

Daily

A320

EY312

Abu Dhabi

9:55

Kabul

13:25

Daily

A320

EY313

Kabul

15:10

Abu Dhabi

18:00

Daily

A320

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. To learn more, visit etihad.com.

For further details:

Duty Media Officer
Etihad Airways
Email: dutymediaofficer@etihad.ae