Etihad Airways Resumes Flights to Peshawar After 10 Years
PESHAWAR: Etihad Airways has officially resumed flight operations to Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport after a gap of more than a decade, the Pakistan Aviation Authority (PAA) confirmed on Monday.
The first flight, EY 276 from Abu Dhabi, landed in Peshawar today and received a traditional water salute, marking the airline’s return since suspending operations in 2014.
Flight Schedule and Operations
According to the PAA, Etihad Airways will now operate five weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Peshawar:
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Operating Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday
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Departure from Peshawar: Flight EY 277 at 8:00 AM
These new services are expected to offer passengers greater travel options, enhanced convenience, and improved international connectivity.
“The launch highlights PAA’s commitment to providing safe, efficient, and world-class airport operations,” the authority said in its statement.
Growing International Connectivity for Peshawar
Etihad Airways is now the third international carrier to begin operations in Peshawar this year, following Flyadeal and Flydubai.
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Flyadeal (Saudi Arabia): In August 2025, the airline launched flights to Islamabad and Peshawar, with its first Riyadh-Peshawar flight arriving ahead of schedule and welcomed with a water cannon salute.
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Flydubai (UAE): In May 2025, Flydubai started its Peshawar operations, bringing 164 passengers from Dubai. The inaugural flight was greeted with a water salute and a cake-cutting ceremony attended by senior officials.
Significance of Etihad’s Return
Aviation experts note that Etihad’s comeback after more than a decade is a positive development for Pakistan’s aviation sector. It is expected to:
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Boost business and tourism travel between Pakistan and the UAE.
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Provide affordable and frequent options for expatriates traveling to the Gulf.
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Strengthen Peshawar’s position as an important international travel hub.
The Bigger Picture
With multiple foreign airlines expanding into Pakistan, especially in cities like Peshawar, Islamabad, and Karachi, aviation authorities say this is part of broader efforts to:
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Improve air travel accessibility.
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Enhance global connectivity for Pakistan.
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Create competitive pricing for passengers.
