Etihad grounds entire A380 fleet; will commence Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv daily flights from March 2021

Abu Dhabi-based carrier Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will indefinitely ground its fleet of 10 A380s, an official spokesperson for the airline has confirmed to Gulf Business.

“As Etihad continues to focus on recovery and rebuilding our global network, we will continue to rely on the efficiencies and advantages of our twin engine widebody aircraft,” said the spokesperson.

“During this period, Etihad’s 10 A380s will remain grounded, unless demand grows and there is sufficient appetite to reassess their viability.”

The airline recently reshuffled its top management and announced that it would reposition itself as a mid-sized, full-service carrier.

Read: Major restructuring among top management at UAE’s Etihad airline

It also issued a $600m sukuk which is linked to its carbon reduction targets.

The airline has resumed flights to over 60 destinations worldwide following the suspension of its scheduled commercial passenger operations earlier this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

UAE-Israel flights
Etihad confirmed on Monday, November 16, that it would launch daily scheduled year-round flights connecting Abu Dhabi-Tel Aviv starting March 28, 2021.

“Following the signing of the new bilateral agreement, Etihad is delighted to announce a direct link between these important cities.,” said Mohammad Al Bulooki, COO, Etihad Aviation Group.

“The commencement of scheduled flights is a historic moment and as an airline, cements Etihad’s commitment to growing opportunities for trade and tourism not just between the two countries but also within the region and beyond.”

The decision to launch direct flights follows the signing of the Abraham Accords between the UAE and Israel in September.

Etihad became the first GCC carrier to operate a commercial passenger flight to and from Tel Aviv on October 19, 2020.

Meanwhile, Dubai-based carrier flydubai has already confirmed that it will introduce flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv from November 26, 2020. The carrier will operate 14 flights a week, offering a double daily service between Dubai International (DXB) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV). Tickets can be booked on the carrier’s website.

Read: Dubai’s flydubai to operate 14 weekly flights to Tel Aviv