Coronavirus in UAE: All Etihad flights to be suspended immediately

Etihad Airways will suspend all departures from Abu Dhabi International Airport immediately for an initial 14 days, subject to further directives by authorities.

All Etihad aircraft currently outside the UAE on Tuesday, March 24, will continue to operate to Abu Dhabi as planned, with the final arrival on Wednesday, March 25, carrying passengers permitted to enter the UAE under current government-imposed restrictions.

On Monday, the airline had announced that suspension of flights to and from Abu Dhabi airport will commence at 23:59 (UAE local time) on Wednesday.

However, the UAE's National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), have brought forward the date of their directive to suspend all inbound, outbound, and transit passenger flights in the UAE to Tuesday, March 24.

This decision has been made to limit the spread of the Covid-19 and to protect citizens, residents, and international travellers.

"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," the airline said in a statement.

"All guests affected by the temporary flight suspension are advised to visit etihad.com/travelalerts to understand their rebooking 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.

• Abu Dhabi

Ashwani Kumar

Ashwani Kumar is a versatile journalist who explores every beat in Abu Dhabi with an insatiable curiosity. He loves uncovering stories that are informative and help readers form their own opinions.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com