Etihad Airways has formally resumed operations at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan Worldwide Airport (BKIAP) after greater than ten years, marking a major milestone within the metropolis’s aviation connectivity.
The inaugural flight, EY-276 from Abu Dhabi, landed in Peshawar to a standard water salute, warmly welcomed by airport officers and passengers. This was the airline’s first arrival within the metropolis since 2014.
Etihad will initially function 5 weekly flights on the route, with day by day providers scheduled to start from 20 November. The flights will likely be operated utilizing Airbus A320 plane, that includes eight Enterprise Class and 150 Financial system seats, offering travellers with Etihad’s signature consolation and hospitality.
Enhance for Regional Connectivity
Peshawar is now served by three worldwide carriers in 2025, with Fly Dubai and Flyadeal additionally launching providers earlier this 12 months. Officers from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) stated the return of Etihad strengthens journey decisions for passengers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and past.
“This improvement displays our dedication to providing protected, environment friendly, and world-class services for travellers, whereas increasing Peshawar’s attain to key worldwide hubs,” a PAA spokesperson famous.
The direct service is predicted to cater to the numerous demand from the greater than 1.5 million Pakistanis residing within the UAE, whereas additionally selling commerce, tourism, and enterprise ties between the 2 areas.
Etihad’s Rising Presence in Pakistan
With Peshawar now added to its community, Etihad operates direct flights to 4 main cities in Pakistan Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. This enlargement additional cements the UAE nationwide service’s footprint in South Asia.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, stated:
“The launch of Peshawar highlights Etihad’s dedication to constructing a robust world community. Pakistan is house to one of many largest expatriate communities within the UAE, and this new service will present larger flexibility and comfort for his or her journey wants. Past connecting households and buddies, we’re additionally opening doorways for extra guests from Pakistan to find Abu Dhabi as a dynamic enterprise and tourism hub.”
Wider Growth Throughout Asia and Africa
The Peshawar relaunch comes as Etihad prepares for a serious enlargement of its world community. In October, the airline will inaugurate flights to Medan (Indonesia), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Krabi (Thailand).
In November, new routes will even be launched to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, Algiers, and Medina, considerably broadening the airline’s attain throughout Asia and North Africa.