Etihad Announces New Flights to Kabul, Connecting Abu Dhabi with Afghanistan

Etihad Airways Adds New Route to Kabul

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will expand its regional network with the launch of flights to Kabul, Afghanistan, beginning 18 December 2025.

The new service addresses demand for travel between the UAE and Afghanistan, offering direct access between Abu Dhabi and Kabul, and convenient onward connections to destinations across the GCC, Europe, Australia, and North America.

Etihad will operate three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays using an Airbus A320 configured with eight Business Class and 150 Economy Class seats.

Kabul becomes the 31st new destination announced by Etihad in 2025, aligning with the airline’s network growth strategy in the Middle East and South Asia. The route will facilitate travel, trade, and cultural exchange, and provide enhanced connectivity for Afghan communities residing in the GCC, Australia, Europe, and the United States.

The UAE is home to one of the largest Afghan communities in the Gulf, estimated at around 300,000 people, according to the Afghan Business Council. The new route will further support social and economic ties between the two nations.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “Kabul represents another important step in Etihad’s strategy to expand access to markets within a four-hour radius of Abu Dhabi, while strengthening connections to major destinations across our global network. These flights will serve strong demand for travel, enable trade and investment flows, and reconnect families and communities. Through Abu Dhabi, guests from Afghanistan will enjoy seamless access to Etihad’s expanding network across the GCC, Europe, Australia and North America.”

Kabul Flight Schedule – Effective 18 December 2025