Etihad Strengthens South Asia and Africa Links With New Direct Flights to Peshawar and Beyond

Etihad Airways has marked a significant milestone with the launch of its inaugural flight to Peshawar (PEW), deepening its reach in the Pakistani market and enhancing connectivity between Pakistan and the dynamic hub of Abu Dhabi. This move is set to provide travellers from Pakistan with seamless access not only to the United Arab Emirates but also to the broader GCC region and Etihad’s expanding global network—a development that holds particular relevance for African travel professionals seeking new avenues for both business and leisure traffic flows.

Initially, Etihad will operate five flights per week to Peshawar, the historic capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. From 20 November, frequency will increase to a daily service, ensuring greater flexibility and convenience for passengers. The route utilizes Etihad’s efficient Airbus A320 aircraft, configured with 8 Business Class and 150 Economy Class seats, striking a balance between comfort and affordability for diverse traveller needs.

This direct connection is more than just a new route—it represents an enhanced bridge for over 1.5 million Pakistanis residing in the UAE, many of whom have deep familial and business ties spanning both regions. For the African travel sector, the route is equally significant: it opens new opportunities for multi-destination itineraries linking the African continent with South Asia via Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub, as well as bolstering two-way trade and leisure flows.

Peshawar’s addition brings Etihad’s non-stop destinations in Pakistan to four, joining Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. This expansion further consolidates Etihad’s presence in a market characterized by strong demand for both VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives) and corporate travel, while offering greater choice and flexibility to those connecting through Abu Dhabi. The growing flight network positions Abu Dhabi as a critical transfer point for Africans en route to South Asia and vice versa, streamlining journeys for both business and leisure travellers.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, emphasized the airline’s commitment to expanding its global footprint: “The launch of Peshawar reflects Etihad’s commitment to building a robust global network. With Pakistan being home to one of the largest expatriate communities in the UAE, we are pleased to launch this new route offering more flexibility for the community’s travel needs. With this new service, we are going beyond connecting families and friends, we are also welcoming more visitors from Pakistan to discover Abu Dhabi as a vibrant global business and tourism destination.”

The strategic timing of the Peshawar launch coincides with Etihad’s broader ambitions for regional and global growth, particularly across South Asia and Africa. In the coming weeks, Etihad will launch inaugural flights to several high-potential destinations, opening doors to new markets and creating fresh opportunities for the African travel industry:

• The Indonesian island of Sumatra (Medan), expanding into a region known for its untapped tourism and business potential.
• Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital, providing a new gateway to Southeast Asia’s emerging markets.
• Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and a key business and diplomatic hub in Africa.
• Krabi, Thailand, catering to the growing appetite for leisure and beach tourism in Southeast Asia.

Looking into early November, Etihad’s expansion continues with planned services to destinations across Asia and North Africa, including:

• Tunis, the vibrant capital of Tunisia, enhancing North African connectivity.
• Hanoi, Vietnam’s bustling capital, tapping into Southeast Asia’s rising travel demand.
• Chiang Mai, northern Thailand, known for its cultural richness and natural beauty.
• Hong Kong, one of Asia’s leading financial and tourism centres.
• Algiers, the Mediterranean capital of Algeria and a cornerstone of Maghreb connectivity.
• Medina, in Saudi Arabia, a city of religious and historical significance.

This wave of network expansion is set to reinforce Etihad’s position as a major connector between Africa, South Asia, and beyond. For African travel professionals, these developments offer a wealth of new opportunities: the ability to craft more dynamic itineraries, strengthen cross-regional partnerships, and provide clients with expanded access to both established and emerging destinations.

Etihad’s strategy is clearly attuned to shifting travel trends, with a focus on facilitating easier journeys for diaspora communities, supporting business links, and fostering tourism growth. The airline’s investments in new routes—combined with a modern, efficient fleet—underscore its commitment to providing both reliability and choice, which are increasingly valued by African travellers and industry partners alike.

As Abu Dhabi continues to evolve as a global aviation hub, the ripple effects will be felt across Africa’s travel sector. With enhanced connections to South Asia and new links to North Africa and Southeast Asia, African travel professionals have an expanded toolkit to serve a more diverse and discerning clientele—helping to drive industry growth and foster a new era of cross-continental mobility.