Emirates Starting Daily Kabul Flights

Emirates will launch daily passenger services to Kabul from December 4.

The route, operated by three-class A340-500s, will mark the airline’s first venture into Afghanistan.

EK640 will depart Dubai at 0955 and arrive in Kabul at 1315. The return flight, EK641 will leave Kabul at 1530 hours and arrive in Dubai at 1800.

Emirates said it has identified demand for a “premium service airline offering” between Dubai and Kabul. Currently Safi Airways operates daily double services from Dubai on A320s with 12 business class seats – and Emirates will be offering 30 seats more in its business class, as well as 12 first class seats.

Barry Brown, Emirates’ divisional senior vice president, Commercial Operations East, said the airline expects the route to be particularly popular with business travellers, as well as Afghan nationals returning home to visit friends and family.

“It will also present a new opportunity for cargo operations to the country, particularly for the shipment of pharmaceuticals, perishable foodstuffs and construction materials,” he said.