Full Breakdown
Etihad Airways Resumes Flights Amid Regional Conflict
3/2/2026, 9:09:36 PM
Resumption of Operations
Etihad Airways has resumed limited flight operations from Abu Dhabi International Airport as of March 2, 2026, despite previously announcing that services would remain suspended until at least March 3. The airline operated up to 15 flights on Monday afternoon, including routes to London Heathrow, Paris, Amsterdam, and several cities in the Middle East and South Asia. The first flight, an Airbus A380 designated EY-67, departed for London at approximately 2:30 PM local time. This decision comes after the airline suspended all flights on Saturday due to escalating military tensions in the region, particularly following attacks involving Iranian drones.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict escalated significantly over the weekend when military strikes by Israel and the United States targeted Iran, leading to a deterioration of security across the Middle East. On Saturday night, Abu Dhabi International Airport reportedly faced an attack from Iranian kamikaze drones, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. Other regional airports, including Dubai International Airport and Kuwait International Airport, also experienced drone strikes, causing damage and prompting emergency responses. As a result, Etihad Airways grounded its operations, while Emirates and Qatar Airways opted to keep their flights suspended.
Impact on Aviation
The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted the aviation industry in the Middle East, with over 2,300 flights canceled in just one day, affecting major airlines such as Emirates and FlyDubai, which saw cancellation rates of 87% and 89%, respectively. The situation has left tens of thousands of passengers stranded across the region, prompting some to seek alternative routes through neighboring countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia. Governments worldwide are considering evacuation plans for their nationals, urging them to remain sheltered in place until the situation stabilizes.
Official Statements & Responses
Etihad Airways has indicated that it plans to resume normal operations by 2 PM on March 3, contingent on the evolving security situation. The airline has cautioned that flight schedules may change at short notice due to the dynamic nature of the conflict. Meanwhile, Emirates and Qatar Airways have stated they will provide updates on their operations as the situation develops.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about the safety of resuming flights amid ongoing military actions. The decision by Etihad to operate flights contrasts sharply with the caution exercised by other airlines, leading to questions about the adequacy of security measures in place for passengers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Etihad has resumed some flights, there remains uncertainty regarding the overall safety of air travel in the region. Reports indicate that while some flights are operational, many airlines continue to suspend services, reflecting a lack of consensus on the security of airspace. The full extent of the impact on global aviation remains unclear, with ongoing military actions posing a risk to passenger safety.
Verbatim Quotes
- “situation remains dynamic and schedules may change at short notice.” — Etihad Airways Statement
- “Most passengers had already been evacuated to local hotels at the time of the incident, although distressing images of bloodied tourists running inside the terminal quickly went viral.” — Dubai International Airport Statement
