Etihad Airways has resumed operations at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIAP) after more than a decade, marking a significant milestone for the aviation sector in Pakistan.
The airline had suspended its services to the city in 2014, but on Monday, flight EY 276 from Abu Dhabi touched down in Peshawar and was greeted with a traditional water salute arranged by airport authorities.
According to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA), Etihad Airways will now operate five weekly flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Peshawar. The schedule includes departures on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Outbound flights from Peshawar will leave as EY 277 at 8:00 am, offering passengers early morning connectivity to Abu Dhabi and onward destinations worldwide.
This development positions Etihad Airways as the third international carrier to begin services at BKIAP in 2025. Earlier this year, Fly Dubai and Flyadeal successfully launched their operations from the airport, increasing regional and international connectivity for travelers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and adjoining areas.
Officials highlighted the broader impact of Etihad’s return on the region’s travel and trade sectors. With enhanced options for international flights, passengers from Peshawar and nearby cities will now enjoy greater convenience, reduced travel times, and easier access to the airline’s global network.
The expanded operations are expected to support both business and leisure travelers, while also facilitating stronger cultural and economic ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
The PAA emphasized that the launch reflects its continued efforts to improve airport infrastructure and attract more international airlines to Peshawar. “These new connections provide passengers with greater choice, improved convenience, and enhanced global connectivity, reflecting PAA’s commitment to ensuring safe, efficient, and world-class airport operations,” a spokesperson said.
Etihad Airways’ return also signals renewed confidence in Peshawar’s aviation market, where demand for international travel has steadily grown in recent years.
With multiple international airlines now serving BKIAP, the airport is emerging as a hub of increasing importance in Pakistan’s aviation landscape. For passengers, the resumption offers not only more options but also reinforces Peshawar’s role as a gateway for global connectivity.
