Islamabad, Oct 10 (AP) Abu Dhabi's airline, Etihad, announced on Friday that it will begin flight services to Kabul, becoming the latest carrier to offer direct routes to Afghanistan's capital. Etihad, which reported a record profit of USD 476 million in 2024, stated that the new service is a response to the "growing demand" for travel between the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan. The airline plans to commence three weekly flights in December to support "trade, travel, and community ties." "The UAE has one of the largest Afghan communities in the Gulf, hosting approximately 300,000 Afghans working and residing in the country, according to the Afghan Business Council," the airline said in a statement. "These new flights will further enhance economic and social connections while improving connectivity through Abu Dhabi."
Turkish Airlines and FlyDubai are other international carriers currently offering direct flights to Kabul.
The UAE, known for its oil wealth, has developed close relations with the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan in recent years. In June 2024, UAE's leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, held discussions with Sirajuddin Haqqani, a senior Taliban official and Cabinet member, who is wanted by the US for his involvement in an attack that claimed the life of an American citizen and others. Subsequently, the UAE accepted credentials from a Taliban-appointed ambassador.
Despite the Taliban's global isolation due to their policies on women and girls, they have managed to establish diplomatic ties with regional powers. In July, Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government. On Friday, India announced that it would upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy status. (AP) SKS SKS
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