Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is set to further expand its regional network with the launch of new flights to Kabul, Afghanistan, starting December 18, 2025. This new route will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using the Airbus A320 with eight Business and 150 Economy seats, combining comfort and convenience with Etihad’s renowned hospitality.The Kabul flights respond to growing demand for travel between the UAE and Afghanistan. They provide direct access between Abu Dhabi and Kabul, while offering seamless onward connections to key markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Europe, Australia, and North America. This significant expansion marks the 31st new route Etihad has announced in 2025, reflecting a continued strategic investment in major markets across the Middle East and South Asia.
Strengthening the UAE – Afghanistan ties
With over 6 million people worldwide, the Afghanistani diaspora is spread across the globe, having deep ties to the region and beyond. As per the estimates of the Afghan Business Council, the kingdom hosts one of the largest Afghan communities in the Gulf region, with approximately 300,000 Afghans living and working in the UAE.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.”This new service builds on an accelerated network growth experienced by Etihad this year and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a key hub for trade and mobility. Passenger numbers have increased by more than 80% since 2022, and the airline is on track to reach 38 million annual passengers by 2030, further solidifying economic and cultural links across its growing network.
Kabul flight schedule from December 18, 2025
| Flight Number | Departure Airport | Departure Time | Arrival Airport | Arrival Time | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EY310 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 14:45 | Kabul (KBL) | 18:15 | Tue, Thu, Sat | A320 |
| EY311 | Kabul (KBL) | 19:10 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) | 22:10 | Tue, Thu, Sat | A320 |
Etihad’s growth and broader network expansion
For context, this Kabul route complements Etihad’s broader African expansion. Earlier today, Etihad launched daily flights to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marking a debut that greatly enhances connectivity with Africa. The Ethiopian route forms part of a landmark joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, offering passengers access to over 55 destinations across Africa, while Ethiopian Airlines customers gain seamless connections to over 20 destinations in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East via Abu Dhabi. Like Kabul, the Addis Ababa route supports trade, travel, and cultural ties, reinforcing Etihad’s commitment to expanding its strategic network across key regions.With these new routes, Etihad Airways continues its trajectory toward becoming a premier global carrier, linking Abu Dhabi to vital destinations while fostering stronger economic and community connections worldwide.
