Etihad Suspends Flights, Transit Services
Etihad Airways will temporarily suspend all flights from March 25 for an initial period of 14 days, following a decision by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). This decision has been made to limit the spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus and to protect citizens, residents, and international travelers.
The carrier said that it regretted any inconvenience caused and continues to follow UAE and international government and regulatory authority directives and is applying a contingency plan to assist affected customers.
Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “These are unprecedented times and unprecedented decisions are being made by governments, authorities and companies, including Etihad, to contain the spread of the coronavirus and to help minimize its effects around the world.”
Douglas continued: “We stand with our loyal customers, who are having to endure disruption and inconvenience to their travel and their daily lives, and we dedicate all our efforts and resources to ensuring we do all we can to assist them with their travel planning during this challenging period.”
And he concluded: “As the national airline, we stand in full support of the UAE government’s decision, and are confident that we’re well prepared to weather the commercial and operational impact this suspension will have on our services.
Etihad Airways also advised that effective immediately, and until further notice, all transit services through Abu Dhabi have been suspended, so any passengers booked on connecting flights via Abu Dhabi to anywhere else on the Etihad network will not be permitted to travel.
The carrier noted that it is currently attempting to contact every guest to advise them of the development.
Guests will be notified if their flight is cancelled. However, prior to proceeding to the airport, all guests should still check the status of their flights, using the Etihad Airways Flight Tracker at: https://www.etihad.com/en-ae/manage/flight-tracker
The airline will announce the resumption of services through its usual channels once restrictions are lifted.
