In a bold move to deepen its roots in South Asia, Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has unveiled plans to launch direct flights to Peshawar, Pakistan. Set to take off on September 29, 2025, this new route will link Abu Dhabi’s state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport with Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s regional expansion. Peshawar joins Karachi, Islamabad, and Lahore as the fourth Pakistani city to welcome Etihad’s signature service, reinforcing the airline’s growing presence in the country.
The service will kick off with five weekly flights before transitioning to a daily schedule on November 22, 2025, catering to the rising demand for seamless travel between Pakistan and the UAE. Etihad will operate its Airbus A320 on this route, offering passengers a choice between eight luxurious Business Class seats and 150 comfortable Economy seats. Known for its sleek design and modern amenities, the A320 promises a refined travel experience for both leisure and business travelers.
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, expressed his excitement about the new route, stating, “We’re delighted to bring Peshawar into our network, enhancing connectivity for Pakistan’s vibrant northwest region. This daily service underscores our dedication to bridging Pakistan with key markets across the Gulf, Africa, Europe, and North America.” Neves also highlighted the airline’s broader strategy, noting an increase in flights to Karachi to 17 weekly services starting October 1, 2025.”These upgrades showcase our commitment to addressing the changing demands of travelers,” he stated.
Peshawar, a historic city nestled near the Khyber Pass, is a cultural and economic hub with deep ties to the UAE through trade and a large expatriate community. The new route is expected to boost tourism, facilitate family visits, and strengthen business links, offering travelers convenient access to Etihad’s extensive global network via Abu Dhabi. With connections to over 70 destinations worldwide, passengers from Peshawar can seamlessly explore cities like London, New York, or Johannesburg.
This announcement comes amid a banner year for Etihad, which has aggressively expanded its footprint in 2025. The Peshawar route follows the airline’s recent launch of flights to Addis Ababa and is part of a wave of 16 new destinations added this year, including Prague, Warsaw, Algiers, Tunis, and Atlanta. Beyond new routes, Etihad is ramping up frequencies to major European hubs such as Paris, Milan, Manchester, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Madrid, signaling a robust push to solidify its position as a global aviation leader.
For Pakistan, the new service is a win for connectivity and economic growth. Travelers can look forward to Etihad’s award-winning hospitality, featuring gourmet dining, cutting-edge entertainment, and spacious seating. As the airline celebrates this latest chapter, Peshawar’s skies are set to buzz with the promise of new opportunities—and a touch of UAE elegance—starting this September.
