Etihad suspends Abu Dhabi flights until March 5 amid airspace disruptions: Here's what passengers need to know

Etihad Airways halts all scheduled flights to and from Abu Dhabi until March 5, 2026, amid ongoing regional airspace disruptions. (Representative Image)

• Etihad halts Abu Dhabi flights until March 5, 2026, 14:00 UAE
• Passengers advised not to go to airport without airline contact
• Free rebooking and refunds offered for affected ticket holders

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Travellers flying to or from Abu Dhabi face continued disruptions as Etihad Airways has suspended all scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi until 14:00 UAE time on Thursday, March 5, 2026.

Citing ongoing regional airspace disruptions, the airline confirmed that regular passenger services will remain halted until further notice, with operations resuming only after all safety conditions are met.

In a public update shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Etihad reiterated the suspension and advised passengers not to proceed to the airport unless specifically contacted by the airline. The social media advisory aligns with the airline’s formal operational statement and underscores the seriousness of the ongoing situation.

Regional Airspace Disruption – Operational Update

All Etihad’s scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain suspended until 14:00 UAE time on Thursday 5 March. Some repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities and… pic.twitter.com/t3BvTkhOgc — Etihad Airways (@etihad) March 3, 2026

Commercial services suspended; limited special flights may operate

According to Etihad’s latest operational update, all scheduled commercial passenger flights remain suspended until the stated time. However, certain repositioning, cargo and repatriation flights may operate in coordination with UAE authorities. These flights will be subject to strict operational and safety approvals.

The airline emphasised that safety remains its absolute priority and that services will only resume once all safety criteria are fully satisfied.

Passengers told not to travel to airport without confirmation

Etihad has clearly instructed guests not to travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly and advised to do so. Airport access will be restricted for travellers who do not hold confirmed travel documentation.

With uncertainty around flight schedules, passengers are strongly advised to check their flight status on the airline’s official website before making any travel arrangements.

Rebooking and refund options for affected travellers

Etihad has introduced flexible options for impacted passengers:

• Guests holding 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 Etihad flights until March 10 may request a full refund through the airline’s official refund form or via their travel agent.
• Those who booked through travel agencies should contact their agents directly for rebooking or refund assistance.

The airline has acknowledged a high volume of customer service calls and encouraged guests seeking refunds to use the online refund request form for quicker processing.

What travellers should do now

If you are scheduled to fly with Etihad in the coming days:

• Check your flight status online before heading to the airport.
• Ensure your contact details are updated in your booking.
• Wait for direct communication from the airline before travelling.
• Consider rebooking or refund options if your plans are flexible.

Regional airspace disruptions continue to impact travel

The suspension reflects broader airspace disruptions across parts of West Asia, affecting multiple carriers and flight routes. Airlines are closely coordinating with aviation authorities to prioritise safety and operational feasibility.

Etihad has assured passengers that further updates will be provided as the situation evolves, and normal services will resume only once conditions are deemed safe for operations.