KARACHI: Last week Etihad Airways hosted an elegant luncheon at Marriott Hotel Karachi to celebrate its valued travel trade partners. The event was organized under the gracious hospitality of Mr. Ahmed Zahoor, General Manager–Pakistan, Etihad Airways and was attended by a distinguished gatherings of senior leaders from the city’s travel and tourism industry.
Adding prestige to the occasion was the presence of Mr. Wafi Ishaq, Regional General Manager ISC and GCC Etihad Airways, who specially flew in from Abu Dhabi to lead the proceedings. With over two decades of rich experience in the aviation industry, Mr. Ishaq has been instrumental in strengthening Etihad’s regional operations and build strategic relationships across international markets.
In his address, Mr. Wafi Ishaq shared exciting updates on Etihad’s expansion plans.” Etihad Airways is committed to deepening its footprint in South Asia,” he noted, announcing that direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Peshawar will commence on September 29, 2025. This new service marks Peshawar as the fourth Pakistani destination in Etihad’s growing network, which already includes Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad.
Further emphasizing the airline’s commitment to the Pakistani market, Mr. Ishaq revealed that from October 1, Etihad will operate four daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Karachi, offering 28 nonstop weekly services to the country’s commercial hub. Karachi, he added,* is poised to become a vital connecting hub for Etihad’s expanding routes across Europe and Asia.
Speaking to Holiday Weekly, he also shared that Etihad will soon launch its newly inducted Airbus A321 LR aircraft on the Abu Dhabi-Phuket route a state-of-the-art aircraft designed for enhanced comfort and range.
Mr. Ahmed Zahoor, during a comprehensive presentation, highlighted Etihad’s achievements and future ambitions. The airline currently operates a modern fleet of 105 aircraft and carried over 18.5 million passengers in 2024 alone. Over the past 18 months, Etihad has announced 27 new destinations, including Atlanta (USA), Baku, Prague, Medina, and others in the Far East.
He also detailed Abu Dhabi’s airport capacity, tourism potential, and the upcoming fleet of 20 A321LRs featuring premium seating configurations. Etihad’s global strategic partnerships continue to enhance its reach to North America, China, Africa, and Europe.
The event concluded with a lavish buffet lunch, offer V a delightful culinary experience that added warmth and memorability to this engaging and informative gathering.
