Etihad Airways will launch direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul, Afghanistan, beginning December 18, 2025. The new route aims to meet increasing travel demand between the UAE and Afghanistan while improving connections to other global markets.
Flight details and schedule
The airline will operate three weekly flights using its A320 aircraft, which offers eight Business and 150 Economy seats. This service will provide passengers with direct access between the two cities, as well as convenient onward connections across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Europe, Australia, and North America.
Supporting trade and communities
Kabul marks the 31st new route announced by Etihad this year, reflecting the airline’s focus on expanding in strategic markets in the Middle East and South Asia. The flights are expected to boost trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the UAE and Afghanistan.
The UAE hosts one of the largest Afghan communities in the Gulf region, with approximately 300,000 Afghans living and working in the country, according to the Afghan Business Council. Etihad’s new service will support these communities by enhancing access between Afghanistan, Abu Dhabi, and other key destinations.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, 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.”
The launch of Kabul flights follows Etihad’s rapid network growth this year. Passenger numbers have increased by more than 80% since 2022. The airline expects to carry 38 million passengers annually by 2030, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s role as a regional hub for trade and mobility.
