Etihad Airways will begin operating a limited number of commercial flights from 6 March 2026, marking a gradual restart of services to and from Abu Dhabi after recent regional airspace disruptions.
For now, the airline is restoring flights only on selected routes. All other scheduled commercial services remain suspended until further notice.
The airline says the decision was made after working closely with authorities and completing safety and security checks. Flights will only operate if conditions remain safe.
Travellers with existing bookings may soon see their itineraries moved onto these flights as the airline works through the backlog.
Cities Included in Etihad’s Limited Flight Schedule
Between 6 and 19 March, Etihad plans to operate flights connecting Abu Dhabi with the following destinations:
Asia and the Middle East
- Ahmedabad
- Bangkok
- Bengaluru
- Cairo
- Colombo
- Delhi
- Hanoi
- Hyderabad
- Jeddah
- Kuala Lumpur
- Malé
- Mumbai
- Phuket
- Riyadh
- Seoul (Incheon)
Europe
- Frankfurt
- London (Heathrow)
- Madrid
- Milan (Malpensa)
- Paris
- Rome
- Zurich
- Moscow (Sheremetyevo)
North America
Etihad notes that all services remain subject to operational approvals and could still change depending on regional airspace conditions.
What Passengers Should Do Before Heading to the Airport
If you are travelling soon, the airline is asking passengers to be careful about when they go to the airport.
Only travellers who have been contacted by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking on one of the resumed flights should travel to Abu Dhabi airport.
Before leaving for the airport, passengers should:
- Check their flight status on the Etihad website
- Make sure the contact details in their booking are correct
- Monitor email or SMS messages for updates from the airline
Rebooking and Refund Options for Affected Travellers
Etihad has also introduced flexible options for passengers affected by the disruption.
Free Rebooking
Passengers holding Etihad tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026, with travel dates up to 21 March 2026, can rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights until 15 May 2026.
Full Refunds
In addition to the free rebooking option, Etihad also offers travellers who are scheduled to fly on or before 10 March to request a full refund through Etihad’s website or their travel agent.
It is worth noting here that passengers who booked through a travel agency should contact their agent directly to make changes.
Situation Still Being Closely Monitored
Etihad says the schedule could continue to change as the situation develops.
The airline is monitoring regional airspace conditions and will update passengers directly if further adjustments are needed.
For travellers planning trips in the coming weeks, the safest approach is simple: check your flight status before heading to the airport and keep an eye on airline notifications.
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