Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is gradually resuming flights following the temporary closure of UAE airspace, offering a limited schedule for March 10-12 as regional tensions ease. The airline is prioritizing accommodating passengers with existing bookings whereas also opening ticket sales for select destinations. This comes as broader efforts are underway to restore air travel across the region, which was significantly disrupted in recent days.
The resumption of flights follows a period of heightened disruption caused by escalating regional instability. On March 3, 2026, the UAE temporarily closed its airspace, impacting numerous international carriers. While full normalization of flight operations is still underway, the phased reintroduction of services by Etihad, along with Emirates, flydubai, and Air Arabia, signals a positive step towards restoring connectivity. Travelers are strongly advised to confirm their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport, as schedules remain subject to change.
Etihad Airways Flight Schedule: March 10-19
Etihad Airways has announced a detailed schedule for flights operating between March 6 and March 19, 2026. The airline is currently serving 25 destinations, including key hubs in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. According to the airline, services will operate only once all safety criteria are met. The destinations currently served are:
- Ahmedabad
- Bangkok
- Bengaluru
- Cairo
- Colombo
- Delhi
- Frankfurt
- Hanoi
- Hyderabad
- Jeddah
- Kuala Lumpur
- London (Heathrow)
- Madrid
- Male
- Milan (Malpensa)
- Moscow (Sheremetyevo)
- Mumbai
- Fresh York (JFK)
- Paris
- Phuket
- Riyadh
- Rome
- Seoul (Incheon)
- Toronto
- Zurich
Passengers with previous bookings will be accommodated as soon as possible, and tickets are now available for purchase for these routes. The airline has emphasized that operational approvals may change at short notice due to ongoing airspace monitoring. Recent updates indicate a gradual return to normalcy, but travelers should remain vigilant and prepared for potential adjustments.
Regional Airspace and Flight Disruptions
The disruptions to air travel in the UAE and surrounding countries stemmed from escalating tensions in the Middle East. Following an incident on February 28, 2026, involving escalating hostilities, several countries temporarily closed or restricted their airspace. UAE flight operations are resuming on a limited basis, but airlines are updating schedules daily to manage passenger flow safely. The situation prompted advisories from governments, including the UK Foreign Office, which advised against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates, citing security risks and travel disruption.
Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai, and Air Arabia have all been working to mitigate the impact on passengers, offering rebooking options and full refunds for affected tickets. Emirates, in particular, is allowing fee-free rebooking for flights booked between February 28 and March 31, 2026. Transit passengers are being accepted only if their onward flights are confirmed to be operating. Dubai flights have been cancelled and updated travel guidance has been released for those attempting to return to the UK.
The General Civil Aviation Authority in the UAE initiated “exceptional” flight operations to assist stranded passengers, operating a limited number of commercial flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah airports. This move aimed to facilitate the departure of those affected by the regional developments, according to announced schedules.
As the situation continues to evolve, passengers are urged to stay informed and follow the guidance provided by their airlines and relevant authorities. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of travelers while working towards a full restoration of normal flight operations. The coming days will be critical in assessing the long-term impact of these disruptions and establishing a sustainable path forward for air travel in the region.
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