Etihad Airways has restarted operations to Peshawar after a 10-year hiatus, strengthening air links between Abu Dhabi and Pakistan and offering more travel options for the UAE’s large Pakistani community.

The inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Peshawar on Monday marked the airline’s return to the northwestern Pakistani city, a key hub known for its cultural heritage and its role as a gateway to trade and tourism.

This move is expected to serve the strong demand from the 1.5 million-plus Pakistani expatriates living and working in the UAE, while also boosting two-way travel for business, trade, and leisure.

“Our return to Peshawar reflects Etihad’s commitment to serving the needs of the Pakistani community in the UAE and enhancing connectivity between the two nations,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways.

“We are not only reconnecting families and friends but also inviting more travellers from Pakistan to experience Abu Dhabi as a thriving global hub for business and tourism.”

With the addition of Peshawar, Etihad now serves four nonstop destinations in Pakistan — Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar.

Etihad will operate five flights per week on the route initially, with plans to increase to daily services from November 20, 2025, using its Airbus A320 aircraft.