Etihad Lands Back in Peshawar After a Decade
Etihad Airways has made a long-awaited return to Peshawar, restoring flights to the city after a 10-year pause. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier resumed operations at Bacha Khan International Airport (BKIAP) this week, a move seen as a boost for both passengers and Pakistan’s aviation sector.
First Flight Welcomed With Ceremony
Flight EY-276 touched down from Abu Dhabi and was greeted in traditional fashion with a water salute, according to the Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA). The airline will now link Peshawar and Abu Dhabi with five flights each week, operating every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. Outbound service, EY-277, is scheduled to depart Peshawar at 8:00 a.m.
Growing Competition at BKIAP
Etihad is now the third foreign airline to add Peshawar to its network in 2025, following Fly Dubai and Flyadeal. The addition of another Gulf carrier is expected to increase competition on Middle Eastern routes — a key market for travelers from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where many expatriates live and work abroad.
Why This Matters
The resumption highlights renewed confidence in the city’s airport, which has undergone operational improvements in recent years. For travelers, it means greater choice and easier connections to international destinations via Abu Dhabi. For the airport, it signals growing recognition from major airlines that Peshawar is once again a viable hub for regional and global connectivity.
