Abu dhabi: Etihad Airways is set to double its flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul beginning on 15th July 2026, responding to the rapid growth of the route since its inception. The airline has announced the addition of a second daily service in each direction to accommodate increasing demand.
According to Emirates News Agency, Kabul was added to the Etihad network in March 2026, initially operating four times a week. The demand quickly surpassed expectations, with a strong response from both point-to-point travelers and those utilizing Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport as a hub for connections to Europe and other destinations.
The route is serviced by Airbus A320 aircraft, which are configured to hold eight Business and 150 Economy seats. With the introduction of double-daily flights, travelers between Afghanistan and the UAE will benefit from a wider selection of departure times, catering to family, business, and leisure travel needs.
The UAE hosts one of the largest Afghan communities in the Gulf region, emphasizing the importance of this route. The expanded schedule aims to provide a more flexible and better-connected service for the hundreds of thousands of Afghans residing in the UAE, as well as for those engaged in business and trade between the two nations.
Arik De, Etihad's Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, commented on the expansion: "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 role as an important gateway connecting regional markets with our global network."
