Etihad Airways has officially resumed flights to Peshawar after more than a decade, marking a major boost for regional air travel. On Monday, flight EY 276 from Abu Dhabi landed at Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIAP), welcomed with a traditional water salute. The airline last operated at the airport in 2014, making this a significant return to the route.
The airline will now operate five weekly flights between Abu Dhabi and Peshawar. Flights will run on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, with departures from Peshawar as EY-277 scheduled at 8:00am. The new service provides more international travel options for residents of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and surrounding areas.
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This development makes Etihad the third international carrier to launch operations at BKIAP in 2025. Earlier this year, Fly Dubai and Flyadeal also began flights from the airport. The increase in international carriers reflects Peshawar’s growing importance in Pakistan’s aviation sector and rising passenger demand.
Officials from the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) said the expansion is part of a broader strategy to enhance air connectivity and passenger convenience. They added that the new flights will offer travelers greater flexibility and improve links between Pakistan and the UAE. The PAA also highlighted its commitment to safe and efficient airport operations.
This return follows a series of aviation upgrades, including a $15 million security enhancement deal signed earlier this year. With more global carriers resuming or launching routes, Pakistan’s aviation landscape continues to grow, offering passengers more travel choices and supporting stronger economic ties with the Gulf region.