Etihad increases Abu Dhabi-Kabul flights to twice daily as demand surges

Etihad Airways announced it will double its service between Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi and Hamid Karzai International Airport (KBL) in Kabul starting July 15, 2026, adding a second daily flight in each direction.

The expansion, announced on June 9, 2026, marks the second frequency increase since the route launched in March 2026, when it began with four flights per week. 

The airline said demand has significantly exceeded expectations since day one, driven by both point-to-point travelers and passengers connecting through Abu Dhabi to destinations in Europe and beyond.

Doubling Kabul We’re increasing Abu Dhabi to Kabul to twice daily from 15 July, our second frequency boost since launch in March, giving guests more choice over departure times and strengthening connectivity, trade and travel across our global network.Read more:… pic.twitter.com/zaflAsRnMY— Etihad Airways (@etihad) June 9, 2026 What the new AUH-KBL schedule looks like

The route will operate twice daily using Airbus A320 aircraft configured with eight business class and 150 economy seats.The morning departure from Abu Dhabi leaves at 09:55 local time and arrives in Kabul at 13:25 local time, with the return flight departing Kabul at 15:10 local time and arriving in Abu Dhabi at 18:00 local time.The afternoon service departs Abu Dhabi at 14:45 local time and arrives in Kabul at 18:15 local time, with the return leaving Kabul at 19:20 local time and arriving in Abu Dhabi at 22:10 local time.

The two daily options give travelers between Afghanistan and the UAE more flexibility over departure times, whether flying for family, business, or leisure.

Strong ties between UAE and Afghanistan driving demand

According to Etihad, 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 better connectivity and more convenient travel options.

Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, said the rapid growth is a direct reflection of passenger demand. “The response to our Kabul launch has been exceptional,” he said. “Moving to double-daily 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.”

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