Kamal Ghorui
The UAE’s national airline Etihad Airways announced that it will resume a limited commercial flight schedule, reconnecting Abu Dhabi with several major international destinations after recent disruptions caused by regional airspace closures. The airline said the decision to gradually restart operations was taken in coordination with aviation authorities following extensive safety and security assessments.
Etihad AirwaysAirways
While only a limited number of services will operate initially, Etihad confirmed that flights will gradually resume to a number of key destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
Selected destinations to operate until March 19
According to the airline, the limited schedule between March 6 and March 19 will include destinations such as Ahmedabad, Amsterdam, Athens, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Bengaluru, Boston, Brussels, Cairo, Chicago, Colombo, Delhi, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jakarta, Jeddah, Karachi, Kochi, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, London Heathrow, Madrid, Malé, Manchester, Manila, Melbourne, Milan, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Nairobi, New York (JFK), Paris, Phuket, Riyadh, Rome, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Toronto, Vienna, Washington and Zurich.
However, Etihad cautioned that not all destinations will operate daily, and the schedule remains subject to operational approvals and regional airspace conditions. Additional routes may be introduced once conditions stabilise.
March 9 outbound flights from Abu Dhabi
The airline also released details of outbound flights scheduled from Zayed International Airport on March 9, which include several long-haul and regional routes. Among the flights scheduled to depart Abu Dhabi that day are services to Jeddah, Toronto, New York (JFK), Riyadh, Seoul (Incheon), Malé, Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, London Heathrow, Moscow, Rome, Paris, Zurich, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
Notable departures include Flight EY21 to Toronto, EY3 to New York JFK, and EY67 to London Heathrow, along with several flights to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. These services represent part of Etihad’s gradual restoration of its global network following recent disruptions across Middle Eastern airspace.
Passengers advised not to travel to airport without confirmation
Etihad has advised passengers not to travel to the airport unless they have received confirmation from the airline or hold a confirmed booking on one of the operating flights. The airline emphasised that access to the airport may be restricted for individuals without confirmed travel documentation during the disruption period. Passengers are strongly encouraged to check their flight status on the airline’s website before leaving for the airport.
Flexible rebooking and refund options
To help passengers who have been affected by the disruptions, Etihad has come up with flexible rebooking and refund options. Passengers who possess a ticket printed on or before February 28, 2026, and the original travel dates up to March 21, can change their flight without incurring a fee up to May 15, 2026, on Etihad flights. Passengers who no longer wish to travel can request a refund through the airline’s website or through their travel agent. Travellers who booked through third-party agencies have been advised to contact their agents directly for assistance.
High call volumes expected
The airline also reported that its call centers were experiencing a high volume of customer requests, which could lead to longer waiting times. Passengers seeking refunds or changes are encouraged to use the online refund request form and digital channels for faster processing.
Safety remains the top priority
Etihad reiterated that safety remains its highest priority, and all flights will only operate once safety and operational requirements are fully satisfied. The airline said it continues to closely monitor developments in the region and will adjust its flight schedule accordingly. Travellers are advised to regularly check the airline’s website or mobile app for the latest updates regarding flight operations, cancellations, and travel options as the situation continues to evolve.
