Etihad restarts limited flights amid Middle East tensions

Etihad Airways resumed limited operations on Monday as airlines in the Middle East and worldwide adjust to disruptions caused by escalating conflict in the region. Israeli and U.S. attacks on Iran, followed by Tehran’s military response, forced the closure of airspace across several countries, including the UAE, affecting key airports such as Dubai and Doha.

The airline said some repositioning, cargo, and repatriation flights could operate under coordination with UAE authorities, subject to strict operational and safety approvals, while all scheduled commercial flights to and from Abu Dhabi remain cancelled.

According to Etihad’s website, flights departed from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport on Monday for London, Paris, Moscow, and Amsterdam, with additional services planned for Jeddah and Kochi. The airline did not specify which flights were designated for repatriating stranded passengers.

Earlier, Etihad had announced that all flights to and from Abu Dhabi would be suspended until 10:00 GMT Tuesday, reflecting ongoing uncertainty in the regional aviation environment.