On Monday, Etihad Airways celebrated the launch of its inaugural flight to Peshawar (PEW), thereby expanding its network in Pakistan and providing easy access for travelers from Pakistan to the UAE, Gulf countries, and Etihad’s extensive network.

This new direct service connects Abu Dhabi with Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, and serving as a gateway for trade and tourism. The service is expected to meet strong demand from over 1.5 million Pakistanis living and working in the UAE, enhancing travel options in both directions for work and leisure.

Peshawar becomes Etihad’s fourth direct destination in Pakistan, alongside Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, strengthening the airline’s presence in South Asia and offering guests greater choice and flexibility through its growing network.

Antonwaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “The launch of the Peshawar route reflects Etihad’s commitment to strengthening a strong global destination network. As Pakistan is home to one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE, we are pleased to introduce this service to offer guests more flexibility to meet their travel needs.” He added, “With this new service, we are not only connecting families and friends but also attracting more visitors from Pakistan to explore Abu Dhabi as a global destination for business and leisure trips.”

Five Weekly Flights

Etihad will initially operate five weekly flights to Peshawar, increasing to daily flights starting November 20. The flights will be operated on Etihad’s Airbus A320 aircraft, offering 8 business class seats and 150 economy seats, ensuring comfort, luxury, and the hospitality Etihad is known for.

Etihad’s Expansion

Etihad Airways is launching flights to Peshawar as part of its preparations for significant expansion in South Asia in the coming weeks, including Sumatra Island (Medan) in Indonesia, Phnom Penh in Cambodia, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, and the ideal holiday destination Krabi in Thailand in early October.

In early November, Etihad will land for the first time in new destinations across Asia and North Africa, including Tunis, the capital of Tunisia; Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam; Chiang Mai in northern Thailand; the vibrant city of Hong Kong; Algiers on the Mediterranean; and Medina in Saudi Arabia.