Etihad Airways brings forward date of temporary flight suspension from the UAE

As a result, Etihad Airways will suspend all departures from Abu Dhabi International Airport immediately for an initial 14 days, subject to further directives by the relevant authorities. All Etihad Airways aircraft currently outside the UAE today, Tuesday 24 March, will continue to operate to Abu Dhabi as planned, with the final arrival on 25 March, carrying passengers permitted to enter the UAE under current government imposed restrictions.

The airline said: “We deeply regret any inconvenience and disruption this will cause our customers during this challenging period. Our teams will continue to make every effort to assist its customers and to advise them of their options.

“Etihad Airways continues to follow UAE and international government and regulatory authority directives and is applying a contingency plan to assist affected customers. The airline will announce the resumption of services through its usual channels once restrictions are lifted.”

"Etihad Airways is working closely with regulatory authorities in the UAE and overseas and is continuing to monitor this situation closely."

Etihad Airways is urging guests whose flights are impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions to refrain from calling the airline’s customer service lines unless their flights are scheduled in the period immediately before the suspension at 23.59 (UAE local time), Tuesday, 24 March. Contact Centres are currently experiencing significant congestion and long waits. The immediate priority is to assist those guests with imminent travel.