Quick answer: Abu Dhabi to Islamabad averaged about AED 1,449 return over the past 12 months. February was the cheapest month (about AED 1,201) and July the most expensive (about AED 1,734). Direct flights take about 3h 10m with Etihad Airways, PIA, Fly Jinnah, AirSial and airblue. Dubai to Islamabad averaged about AED 1,413.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Average return | About AED 1,449 |
| Typical one way | About AED 510 to 805 |
| Cheapest month | February, about AED 1,201 |
| Most expensive | July (about AED 1,734), May (about AED 1,627) |
| Direct flight time | About 3h 10m |
| Cheapest day to fly | Sunday |
| From Dubai instead | About AED 1,413 return |
Table of Contents
Abu Dhabi or Dubai: which is better for Islamabad?
The two airports average about the same, about AED 1,449 return from Abu Dhabi and AED 1,413 from Dubai. Abu Dhabi has more Pakistani carriers on this route, including Fly Jinnah and AirSial, and its cheapest month is February, while from Dubai it is January. See our Dubai to Islamabad flight guide for Dubai fares by month.
Direct airlines from Zayed International
| Airline | Direct flights per week |
|---|---|
| Etihad Airways | About 14 |
| PIA | About 6 |
| Fly Jinnah | About 5 |
| AirSial | Also direct |
| airblue | Also direct |
All flights leave from Terminal A at Zayed International Airport (formerly Abu Dhabi International). Low cost fares may not include checked bags, so compare the total price, not just the headline fare.
When to book
- Book about 26 weeks ahead, which saved around 19% compared with booking in the last two weeks, when fares averaged 7% above normal.
- Sunday departures were the cheapest on average, and Friday the most expensive.
- Avoid July and May if your dates are flexible.
Eid Al Adha 2027
Eid Al Adha is expected in mid May 2027, and May is already one of the dearest months on this route. Booking about 26 weeks ahead gave the best saving, which means by mid November to early December 2026 for Eid travel.
Getting to Zayed International from Dubai
If you live in Dubai, the RTA E102 bus runs from Al Jafiliya bus station, near Max metro station, to Zayed International Terminal A. The fare is AED 25 on a Nol card and the trip takes about 2 hours with traffic. Top up your Nol card in Dubai, as there are no Nol top up machines at the airport. A taxi or car takes about 1 hour 30 minutes from central Dubai.
Pay monthly for your ticket
If a return comes to AED 1,449, that can be four Tabby payments of about AED 360. UAE residents can also use Tamara or a 3 to 12 month plan on a UAE credit card from Mashreq, ADCB, RAKBANK, HSBC, FAB or Emirates NBD; we only need your phone number to send the link. Get an Abu Dhabi to Islamabad quote. Our office WhatsApp, +971 4 220 2133, answers 24 hours a day.
Fares are averages from KAYAK route data for the past 12 months, checked in November 2026. Prices change daily. More Abu Dhabi routes: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi, Trivandrum, Calicut, Karachi, Manila, Cairo, London. See also UAE to Pakistan flights by city.
Abu Dhabi to Islamabad FAQs
How long is the flight from Abu Dhabi to Islamabad?
About 3 hours 10 minutes direct.
Which airlines fly direct from Abu Dhabi to Islamabad?
Etihad Airways (about 14 flights a week), PIA (about 6), Fly Jinnah (about 5), AirSial and airblue.
What is the cheapest month to fly Abu Dhabi to Islamabad?
February, at about AED 1,201 return. July and May cost the most.
Is Abu Dhabi or Dubai cheaper for Islamabad?
They are close: about AED 1,449 return from Abu Dhabi and about AED 1,413 from Dubai on average.
Can I pay for an Abu Dhabi to Islamabad ticket monthly?
Yes. UAE residents can pay with Tabby, Tamara or a 3 to 12 month credit card plan. We only need your phone number to send the link.
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