Etihad Airways to Launch New Abu Dhabi-Kabul Route in December 2025

Etihad Airways has announced that it will begin operating direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul starting from 18 December 2025. The service will include three weekly flights, offering travelers more options and strengthening ties between the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan.

This new route will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, marking Etihad’s return to the Afghan capital after a long gap. The airline’s decision reflects growing travel demand and closer social and economic relations between the two countries.

Flight Details and Schedule

The flights will be operated using Etihad’s Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats. The service aims to provide passengers with comfort and convenience while connecting them to one of the most important cultural and economic hubs in the region.

Flight EY310 will depart from Abu Dhabi at 2:45 p.m. and arrive in Kabul at 6:15 p.m. local time. The return flight, EY311, will leave Kabul at 7:10 p.m. and land in Abu Dhabi at 10:10 p.m. The timing has been planned carefully to allow passengers from Kabul to connect easily with Etihad’s global network through Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Strengthening Community and Social Ties

The UAE is home to a large Afghan community, with many families maintaining close ties to their homeland. The launch of direct flights will make it easier for people to travel between the two countries for personal, professional, and cultural reasons. Families will find it simpler to visit loved ones, while business travelers will benefit from faster connections and improved accessibility.

For many Afghans living in the Gulf, this new service represents more than just convenience—it is a symbol of connection and opportunity. The route will also support Afghans working in the UAE who wish to visit home more frequently.

Boosting Trade and Economic Links

Etihad’s new route is expected to encourage trade and investment between Afghanistan and the UAE. By improving direct connectivity, the airline will help businesses explore new opportunities and create a smoother path for cargo movement. Kabul’s inclusion in Etihad’s regional network allows Afghanistan to connect more easily with major global markets via Abu Dhabi.

As part of its broader growth plan, Etihad Airways has been steadily expanding its network across the Middle East and South Asia. The addition of Kabul demonstrates its commitment to supporting regional development and enhancing accessibility to emerging destinations.

Focus on Safety and Passenger Experience

Operating flights to Kabul involves careful planning and coordination to ensure passenger safety and operational efficiency. Etihad’s decision to add this route highlights its confidence in maintaining high safety standards and providing reliable service in complex environments.

The airline has built a reputation for excellence in customer care, and this new connection will uphold that promise. From check-in to arrival, passengers can expect a seamless travel experience that reflects Etihad’s hospitality and world-class service.

Connecting Kabul to the World

The new service will offer Afghan travelers greater access to international destinations through Abu Dhabi, one of the most connected airports in the world. Passengers will have smooth transit options to cities in the Gulf, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America.

This expansion goes beyond just air travel- it symbolizes renewed engagement between the two nations. By reopening this route, Etihad Airways is playing a part in bridging communities and fostering dialogue, commerce, and cultural exchange.

Looking Ahead

The success of this route will depend on consistent demand and stable operations at Kabul International Airport. Travelers will be watching to see how the new connection performs, especially in terms of reliability and pricing. Still, the early announcement has already generated excitement among both business and leisure travelers.

Etihad’s new Abu Dhabi–Kabul route marks another step in the airline’s ambitious global expansion plan. It promises not only to improve connectivity but also to strengthen the human and economic relationships that tie the UAE and Afghanistan together. For travelers, it offers a renewed sense of connection; for the region, it signals progress and possibility.