Etihad Airways Initiates Phased Resumption of Flights from Abu Dhabi Hub

Etihad Airways has officially commenced a strategic, phased restoration of its commercial flight operations out of Abu Dhabi. This move serves as a critical indicator of a cautious return toward normalcy for Middle Eastern aviation following a period of unprecedented regional disruption. The scheduled resumption of services is set to take place between March 6 and March 19, 2026, with all operations centered at the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi. This pivotal decision was reached only after a comprehensive and exhaustive safety evaluation, coupled with the receipt of mandatory clearances from various international aviation regulatory bodies.

In the immediate aftermath of the regional crisis, the carrier’s emergency response was characterized by the rapid organization of repatriation flights. These efforts successfully evacuated thousands of individuals, transporting them to eighteen different nations across the globe. These logistical feats were performed against a backdrop of immense industry-wide pressure, as the global aviation sector grappled with the cancellation of more than 23,000 flights to Middle Eastern hubs—a figure representing a staggering 4.4 million passenger seats. Under the guidance of Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways has emphasized that the current return to the skies is being managed under a strictly limited schedule, reflecting the persistent and delicate nature of the regional airspace situation.

For the specific operational window spanning March 6 to March 19, 2026, Etihad Airways intends to restore vital links to several high-priority international destinations. This includes service to Moscow (Sheremetyevo) and Saint Petersburg, as well as major global financial and cultural hubs such as London (Heathrow), Paris, Frankfurt, New York (JFK), and Toronto. In total, the airline is targeting the restoration of flights to approximately seventy destinations following a suspension that lasted nearly a full week. However, the carrier has clarified that all other scheduled commercial flights remain temporarily on hold. Passengers are strongly urged to refrain from traveling to the airport unless they have received direct notification from the airline or possess a confirmed reservation on one of the specific resumed flights.

The context surrounding this operational restart is deeply rooted in the regional geopolitical climate, which saw a sharp escalation on February 28, 2026, following military strikes by the United States and Israel against targets in Iran. This event triggered immediate airspace closures across several neighboring countries, including Qatar, Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait, creating a complex web of logistical hurdles. As Etihad Airways begins its limited service resumption, other major regional players, such as Emirates, are also reportedly working to gradually normalize their flight schedules. To accommodate those whose travel plans were upended, Etihad has established a new deadline for ticket rebooking, allowing affected passengers until May 15, 2026, to finalize their arrangements, showcasing a commitment to customer service during this sensitive transition.

While Etihad’s decision to partially resume flights signals a drive toward operational stability, the airline maintains a stance of extreme vigilance. Due to the significant administrative burden of schedule adjustments and high system demand, the automatic refund process through Global Distribution Systems (GDS) has been temporarily suspended. Nevertheless, refund requests submitted via the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) continue to be accepted, though travelers are warned of potential processing delays. This measured approach, which prioritizes a restricted flight schedule and direct engagement with the passenger base, underscores the fact that flight safety and rigorous operational coordination remain the primary concerns for both aviation authorities and the leadership team at Etihad Airways.