Abu Dhabi’s Etihad extends suspension of flights until May 16

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways has extended the suspension of regular passenger flights to Saturday, May 16.

The airline had previously said it hoped to gradually resume passenger services on May 1, depending on regulatory measures issued by authorities.

Read: Etihad to commence limited passenger services from May 1

“Due to the ongoing Covid-19 global pandemic, the suspension of scheduled passenger services to and from the UAE remains in place. While Etihad hoped to resume a reduced network of scheduled passenger services from May 1, subject to the UAE government imposed travel restrictions being lifted, the airline will now delay this plan until at least May 16, due to the ongoing situation,” the airline said in a statement.

“Some flights may remain available from May 16, however as the current suspension remains in place, this situation may change and Etihad will communicate any changes in due course,” it clarified.

The UAE suspended all international flights last month to contain the spread of Covid-19, but has permitted repatriation flights to operate.

Until May 15, the airline said it will be operating a number of outbound flights to repatriate foreign citizens from the UAE.

Outbound flights are currently available to:

Amsterdam: April 27, 29 and May 2, 6, 9, 13
Barcelona: April 30 and May 7, 10, 14
Brussels: April 26 and May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15
Frankfurt: May 3, 10 M
Jakarta: April 30 and May 7, 14
Kuala Lumpur: May 2, 9
London Heathrow: April 29, 30 and May 2, 6, 9, 13
Manila: April 28, 30 and May 1, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15
Melbourne: April 28 April and May 1, 5, 8, 12, 15
Seoul Incheon: April 28, 30 and May 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14
Singapore: April 28 and May 5, 12
Tokyo Narita: April 27
Zurich: April 26 and May 1, 3, 8, 10, 15

All flights are subject to change.

“These flights have been approved by the UAE government, and we’re working closely with authorities to continue these types of operations,” the airline added on its website.

Dubai airline, which is also currently operating repatriation flights, has said it will aim to resume regular services “as soon as conditions allow”.

Read: Dubai’s Emirates says will resume services ‘as soon as conditions allow’