Etihad to Resume Limited Flights from Abu Dhabi from March 6

After a brief period of disruptions, Etihad Airways has announced the resumption of a limited commercial flight schedule from Abu Dhabi starting March 6, 2026.

The UAE’s national airline confirmed that selected routes will operate between March 6 and March 19, reconnecting Abu Dhabi with several major international cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Middle East.

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According to the airline, the decision was taken in coordination with relevant authorities after extensive safety and security assessments.

For travellers who have been waiting for updates, this announcement brings some much-needed clarity. However, the airline emphasised that operations will resume gradually and cautiously, with safety remaining the top priority.

Passengers who already hold bookings with Etihad will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible, while new tickets are also available through the airline’s official booking channels.

However, Etihad has issued one important instruction to the public.

Guests and members of the public should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking on one of these flights.

Check the full status here.

Major Cities Included in the Temporary Flight Schedule

Destinations Operating Between March 6 and March 19

The following destinations are scheduled to operate to and from Abu Dhabi between March 6 and March 19 as part of Etihad’s limited flight schedule.

All services remain subject to operational approvals and may be adjusted depending on regional airspace conditions. Not all destinations operate daily, and passengers should check their specific flight schedule before travelling.

Travel Advice for Passengers Awaiting Updates

For passengers affected by earlier disruptions, Etihad confirmed that direct communication will be sent to travellers regarding the status of their flights and available options.

Guests should also ensure that their contact details in the booking system are updated, so the airline can reach them quickly with important notifications.

This step is particularly important as schedules may change depending on operational approvals and regional airspace conditions.

Passengers planning to travel soon should also regularly check their flight status before leaving for the airport.

Flexible Rebooking Options for Affected Travellers

For travellers whose plans were disrupted earlier, Etihad has introduced flexible rebooking options to make rescheduling easier.

Passengers holding Etihad tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026, with original travel dates up to 21 March 2026, are allowed to rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights.

The new travel date must fall on or before 15 May 2026.

This flexibility is expected to help thousands of travellers who had their journeys interrupted during the recent disruptions.

For many UAE residents who frequently travel between Abu Dhabi, Asia, and Europe for work or family visits, the option to change travel dates without additional charges offers welcome relief.

Refund Options Also Available

Etihad has also confirmed that passengers who no longer wish to travel can apply for a refund.

Refund requests can be submitted through the airline’s online refund request form or processed through the original travel agent if the ticket was booked via an agency.

Travellers who booked through a travel agent are advised to contact their agent directly to begin the refund process.

Due to the number of passengers affected, Etihad acknowledged that customer service centres are currently experiencing a high volume of calls.

Because of this, passengers seeking refunds are encouraged to use the online refund form instead of calling, which may help speed up the process.

Additional Destinations May Be Added

While the current schedule runs until March 19, Etihad says the network may expand further.

The airline confirmed that all other scheduled commercial services to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended for now, but additional destinations could be added once conditions allow.

As the regional situation evolves, the airline will continue monitoring safety and airspace developments closely before expanding its operations further.

Safety remains a central priority in every decision.

Etihad emphasised that flights will only operate once all safety criteria are met.

What Travellers Should Do Before Heading to the Airport?

Passengers planning to travel in the coming days should follow a few key steps to avoid unnecessary stress at the airport.

First, check your flight status online before leaving home. Flight timings and operating days may change depending on operational approvals.

Second, make sure your contact details in your booking are up to date, so Etihad can send real-time updates.

And most importantly, do not travel to the airport unless Etihad has contacted you directly or you hold a confirmed booking on one of the operating flights.

These precautions will help keep airport operations smooth while the airline gradually restores its network.

Etihad Airways’ decision to resume a limited flight schedule from Abu Dhabi starting March 6 marks an important step toward restoring international connectivity for UAE travellers.

With dozens of global destinations included in the temporary network, many passengers will finally be able to continue journeys that were previously disrupted.

However, travellers should remember that this is still a phased restart, meaning schedules may change as the airline continues to monitor safety and operational conditions.

For more, visit: www.etihad.com

For the latest updates, passengers are encouraged to check their flight status regularly and keep an eye on official communications from Etihad.

Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.

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