UAE travel alert: Etihad Airways announces schedule for March 10-12, check destinations

The Iran-US-Israel war has left thousands of passengers stranded across the UAE due to airspace shutdown, flight cancellations and mid-air diversions. While the UAE authorities have been commended for their aid to the tourists, providing hotel and food vouchers along with transportation, many have been vying to go home on the next flight possible.

While the geopolitical tensions continue to escalate, a limited number of flights have been resumed to help transport stranded passengers to their countries safely. Numerous airlines in the Gulf and those connected to the region with their air network, have begun scheduling flights gradually.

Etihad Airways, one of the major carriers in the Gulf, has released its latest limited flight schedule operating to key destinations from Abu Dhabi. The airline has listed flights for March 10,11, and 12 allowing passengers with existing bookings to be accommodated as soon as possible.

Flight schedule from Abu Dhabi: March 10

The airline will operate flights to key destinations on March 10, 2026. Departure times and flight numbers are as follows:

Flight schedule from Abu Dhabi: March 11

Flight schedule from Abu Dhabi: March 12

Etihad Airways issues passenger guidance

The airline has advised travellers not to go to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking or have been contacted directly by Etihad. All flights will operate only after procedural safety and security checks. While passengers with existing bookings will be accommodated on priority, others can purchase tickets available on etihad.com, said the airline's website.

Here are some points to note:

• Check your flight status at etihad.com before travelling.
• Ensure your contact details in the booking are up to date.
• Tickets issued on or before February 28, 2026, with travel dates up to March 21, may be rebooked free of charge onto Etihad-operated flights until May 15, 2026.
• Refunds for flights until March 21 can be requested via etihad.com/en/help/refund-form or through your travel agent.

From March 6-19, the airlines will be scheduling flights to destinations including Ahmedabad, Amsterdam, Athens, Bangkok, Beijing, Bengaluru, Boston, Cairo, Delhi, Dubai, Jeddah, Karachi, London (Heathrow), Manila, Melbourne, Mumbai, New York (JFK), Paris, Riyadh, Sydney, Tokyo and more.

Additionally, the airlines added that all services are subject to operational approvals and may be adjusted depending on airspace conditions. Passengers are advised to check the latest schedules online for specific days of operation.

Gulf airlines resume operations

Gulf carriers have resumed operations to major destinations briefly and gradually. Along with Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways has also been aiding in travellers' return to their home bases.

On March 10, the Indian Embassy in Qatar revealed that one thousand Indians stranded in Doha had departed on Qatar Airways over the past three days, helping ensure the safe return of those who were stuck in the country on transit or short-term visits.

Indian airlines begin operations

Major Indian carriers including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet and Akasa have resumed operations to the Middle East. As of March 9, these airlines had planned 50 inbound flights from the region, while also consistently monitoring the conditions in West Asia.

Air India operated 32 special flights from India to the UAE on March 9, along with 10 additional flights from Jeddah and Muscat. Additionally, Air India Express operated 14 other flights to and from Muscat.

IndiGo resumed operations on a limited schedule including 17 departures operating to and from Middle Eastern cities. The airline also offered free cancellation waivers to its customers in the Middle East and Istanbul, Türkey.

On March 9, the airline operated its first flight to Manchester since the airspace opened up after the onset of the Middle East war. However, the flight returned to its origin in Delhi after last-minute airspace restrictions linked to the evolving situation in the Middle East, said the airline on Sunday.

Such disruptions highlight how global aviation is closely tied to geopolitical stability. The Middle East is one of the most vital air travel corridors and any security threats in the region can disrupt travel for passengers across Asia, Europe and Africa.