Etihad Airways Expands Network With New Flights To Kabul

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of flights to Kabul, Afghanistan, starting Dec. 18.

The airline, which recently reported a $476 million profit in 2024, said the new service will support trade, investment and cultural exchange, while facilitating travel for large Afghan communities across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Australia, Europe and the U.S.

According to the Afghan Business Council, approximately 300,000 Afghans live and work in the UAE, one of the largest such communities in the Gulf. Etihad said the new route would help further strengthen both economic and social ties between the two nations.

Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves described the new service as a key part of the airline’s growth strategy.

“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,” Neves says.

“These flights will serve strong demand for travel, enable trade and investment flows, and reconnect families and communities.”

Etihad will operate three weekly flights to Kabul using its Airbus A320 aircraft.