Etihad suspends all Abu Dhabi flights until March 5; passengers told not to travel unless contacted directly

Etihad Airways has suspended all scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until UAE time on Thursday, March 5, citing ongoing regional airspace disruptions. In its latest operational update, the airline confirmed that while regular passenger services remain halted, some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities. These flights will be subject to strict operational and safety approvals.

The update also adds that the passengers have been clearly instructed not to travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad and advised to do so. The airline said airport access will be restricted for travellers who do not hold confirmed travel documentation.

Read more: Dubai Airports to passengers: Do not travel without confirmed airline departure time as limited operations restart at DXB, DWC

What passengers should know

Etihad has issued the following guidance for guests affected by the suspension:

Passengers should check their flight status on the airline’s official website before travelling to the airport.

Travellers are advised to ensure their contact details are updated in their booking to receive real-time notifications.

Guests holding Etihad tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, with original travel dates up to March 10, 2026, may rebook free of charge on Etihad-operated flights up to March 31, 2026.

Passengers booked on all Etihad flights until March 10 may request a refund via the airline’s refund form or through their travel agent.

Those who booked through travel agents must contact their agents directly for assistance.

The airline also warned of high call volumes at its contact centres and encouraged passengers seeking refunds to use the online refund request form to avoid longer wait times.

Etihad reiterated that safety remains its absolute priority and that services will resume only once all operational and safety criteria are fully met.

The suspension is part of broader regional airspace measures affecting multiple carriers, with airlines adjusting schedules as authorities continue to monitor the evolving situation.