UAE carriers are stepping up their international expansion plans, with Etihad Airways announcing additional flights to Afghanistan and Emirates renewing efforts to launch new services to Germany.

Etihad Airways will double its flights between Abu Dhabi and Kabul from July 15, introducing a second daily service just four months after the route was launched.

The airline said demand on the route has exceeded expectations since operations began in March 2026. The service has attracted both travellers flying directly between the UAE and Afghanistan and passengers using Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport as a hub for onward connections to Europe and other destinations.

The route is operated using Airbus A320 aircraft configured with eight Business Class seats and 150 Economy Class seats.

The additional frequency will offer greater flexibility for passengers travelling for family visits, business and leisure, while strengthening connectivity between Afghanistan and the UAE.

Emirates to launch daily flights

Meanwhile, Emirates has confirmed it is ready to launch daily flights to Berlin and Stuttgart, pending approval from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport.

The Dubai-based carrier said it would invest more than Dh424 million annually to operate the two routes, covering staffing, airport fees, fuel, and other operational costs.

Emirates argues that both Berlin and Stuttgart remain underserved by long-haul airlines despite their economic importance. Berlin is Germany’s capital and home to nearly four million residents, while Stuttgart is the industrial heart of Baden-Württemberg, one of Europe’s strongest manufacturing regions.

According to Emirates, the new routes would create hundreds of jobs, improve passenger choice and provide significant cargo capacity for exporters in both regions.

If approved, Emirates would operate daily Boeing 777-300ER services to both cities, offering connections to more than 50 destinations not currently served by German airlines.