Etihad Airways has officially resumed operations at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIAP) after more than ten years, marking a significant milestone in the city’s aviation connectivity.
The inaugural flight, EY-276 from Abu Dhabi, landed in Peshawar to a traditional water salute, warmly welcomed by airport officials and passengers. This was the airline’s first arrival in the city since 2014.
Etihad will initially operate five weekly flights on the route, with daily services scheduled to begin from 20 November. The flights will be operated using Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring eight Business Class and 150 Economy seats, providing travellers with Etihad’s signature comfort and hospitality.
Boost for Regional Connectivity
Peshawar is now served by three international carriers in 2025, with Fly Dubai and Flyadeal also launching services earlier this year. Officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said the return of Etihad strengthens travel choices for passengers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.
“This development reflects our commitment to offering safe, efficient, and world-class facilities for travellers, while expanding Peshawar’s reach to key international hubs,” a PAA spokesperson noted.
The direct service is expected to cater to the significant demand from the more than 1.5 million Pakistanis living in the UAE, while also promoting trade, tourism, and business ties between the two regions.
Etihad’s Growing Presence in Pakistan
With Peshawar now added to its network, Etihad operates direct flights to four major cities in Pakistan Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. This expansion further cements the UAE national carrier’s footprint in South Asia.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said:
“The launch of Peshawar highlights Etihad’s commitment to building a strong global network. Pakistan is home to one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE, and this new service will provide greater flexibility and convenience for their travel needs. Beyond connecting families and friends, we are also opening doors for more visitors from Pakistan to discover Abu Dhabi as a dynamic business and tourism hub.”
Wider Expansion Across Asia and Africa
The Peshawar relaunch comes as Etihad prepares for a major expansion of its global network. In October, the airline will inaugurate flights to Medan (Indonesia), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Krabi (Thailand).
In November, new routes will also be introduced to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Algiers, and Medina, significantly broadening the airline’s reach across Asia and North Africa.
