Gulf war -Are your Flying with ETIHAD-What to do next ?

Gulf war -Are your Flying with ETIHAD-What to do next ?

News Aggregator information using Google Gemini AI

Posted Monday 02 March,2026

If you are flying with Etihad Airways, the situation at their hub, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, is critical but follows a slightly different set of protocols than those in Dubai or Doha.

As of this morning, Monday, March 2, 2026, the following updates apply specifically to Etihad passengers:

1. Current Flight Status

Etihad has confirmed a full suspension of all flights to and from Abu Dhabi until at least 2:00 AM (UAE Time) on Monday, March 2. While some services were expected to resume after this window, the situation remains “dynamic” due to ongoing interceptions of projectiles over the city.

• Arrivals: Flights en route to Abu Dhabi from Australia over the weekend were either turned back to their origin (Sydney/Melbourne) or diverted to nearby alternative hubs like Colombo or Mumbai.

• Departures: All outbound flights from Abu Dhabi are currently grounded. Etihad has warned that even if a flight is “scheduled,” you will likely be denied boarding at your origin airport if your onward connection via Abu Dhabi is cancelled.

   

2. The Etihad “Waiver Policy” (CW005-2026)

Etihad has issued a specific global waiver for guests impacted by the “Middle East situation.”

• Free Rebooking: If you hold a ticket issued on or before February 28, 2026, for travel up to March 3, 2026, you can rebook free of charge for travel up to March 15, 2026.

   

• Full Refunds: Etihad is offering full refunds for both cancelled and non-cancelled flights scheduled up to March 3.

• No-Show Fees: All change and no-show fees are currently being waived for affected routes.

  Important: If you booked through a travel agent (including Flight Centre or Helloworld), you must contact the agent directly to process these changes, as Etihad’s internal systems prioritize direct bookings.

3. Support for Stranded Australians in Abu Dhabi

Reports indicate that Zayed International Airport sustained minor damage from debris following drone interceptions.

• Accommodation: Etihad is proactively providing hotel stays and meal vouchers for passengers in transit who are “stuck” within the airport. However, because of the Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisory from the Australian government, getting out of the airport and into the city is not recommended.

   

• Consular Help: The Australian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has ordered staff to “shelter in place.” If you are stranded at the airport, your main point of contact is the Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra (+61 2 6261 3305).

   

4. Summary for Etihad Travelers