Etihad Airways will double its Abu Dhabi-Kabul service from 15 July 2026, adding a second daily flight in each direction as demand continues to rise. The expansion strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional aviation hub while giving travellers more choice for family visits, business trips and onward journeys across Etihad’s international network.
The increase comes less than four months after the route launched on 20 March 2026 with four weekly flights. Etihad raised the service to daily operations from 1 May after strong early demand. The move to twice-daily flights marks the second capacity increase since launch and highlights the airline’s rapid response to booking patterns on the route.
Twice-Daily Schedule Adds More Flexibility
From 15 July, Etihad will operate two daily departures from Abu Dhabi and two daily return flights from Kabul. Flight EY312 will leave Abu Dhabi at 09:55 and arrive in Kabul at 13:25, while EY313 will depart Kabul at 15:10 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 18:00.
The second rotation will operate as EY310, departing Abu Dhabi at 14:45 and reaching Kabul at 18:15. The return flight, EY311, will leave Kabul at 19:20 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 22:10.
The expanded timetable gives passengers a wider choice of travel times and makes it easier to plan short business visits, family journeys and connections through Zayed International Airport. Greater frequency can also help reduce pressure on individual departures during peak travel periods.
Abu Dhabi Strengthens Its Gateway Role
Etihad said demand has exceeded expectations from both point-to-point passengers and travellers connecting through Abu Dhabi. The airline has positioned Zayed International Airport as a gateway between Afghanistan, the UAE and international destinations.
For travellers from Kabul, the expanded schedule creates additional opportunities to connect through Abu Dhabi to cities in Europe and North America. Etihad has previously highlighted onward destinations including London, Frankfurt, Charlotte, Toronto and Washington.
The route also supports travel in the opposite direction. Passengers arriving from international markets can use Abu Dhabi as a convenient transfer point before continuing to Kabul. This strengthens the UAE capital’s role in regional air travel and supports the broader appeal of Abu Dhabi as a transit hub.
Family, Business and Trade Travel Drive Demand
Etihad said the route has attracted strong demand from passengers travelling for family, business and leisure purposes. The UAE is home to one of the Gulf’s largest Afghan communities, creating steady demand for travel between the two countries.
The twice-daily service can improve travel planning for families visiting relatives and for professionals moving between the UAE and Afghanistan. More frequent flights also support trade links by giving business travellers greater flexibility when scheduling meetings and onward travel.
While the service is primarily designed around passenger demand, the additional capacity may also create wider opportunities for airports, ground transport providers and other travel-related businesses serving the route.
Airbus A320 Aircraft Will Operate the Route
Etihad will continue to operate the Abu Dhabi-Kabul flights with Airbus A320 aircraft. Each aircraft is configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats.
The aircraft offers a practical balance of premium and economy capacity for the regional route. The twice-daily schedule also gives travellers more options when selecting departure times, allowing passengers to choose between morning and afternoon services from Abu Dhabi.
Tourism and Hospitality Benefits for Abu Dhabi
The increased flight frequency may also support Abu Dhabi’s visitor economy. Travellers connecting through the UAE capital can consider adding a stopover, creating opportunities for hotels, restaurants, attractions and local transport providers.
Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector benefits when transit passengers extend their journeys and spend time in the city. With more Kabul flights arriving and departing each day, the expanded route creates additional opportunities for travellers to combine onward connections with short stays in the emirate.
The route can also improve access for visitors travelling to see friends and relatives, a segment that often contributes to local spending across accommodation, dining, retail and transport.
Etihad Responds Quickly to Market Demand
The Abu Dhabi-Kabul expansion reflects Etihad’s phased approach to network development. The airline launched the route with four weekly flights, increased it to daily service within six weeks and will move to twice-daily operations from mid-July.
For travellers, the result is a faster, more flexible link between the UAE and Afghanistan. For Abu Dhabi, the additional flights reinforce its position as an international connecting hub and create new opportunities for regional travel, hospitality and visitor spending.
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