Etihad airways announced that it will operate additional flights to 14 cities from Abu Dhabi. The flights will give those stuck in the UAE to return to their home. In addition, the flights will also carry perishables and medical supplies. The airline has also launched return flights to repatriate UAE nationals back to Abu Dhabi.
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The services will operate across various destinations in Europe, Chicago, Manila, Melbourne and South Korea. The flights will depart between now and mid-May. Here’s a breakdown of the additional special services. The scheduling is subject to change:
Europe
- Amsterdam: Friday, April 24, Saturday, April 25, Monday, April 27, Wednesday, April 29, Saturday, May 2, Wednesday, May 6, Saturday, May 9, Wednesday, May 13
- Barcelona: Thursday, April 30, Thursday, May 7, Sunday, May 10, Thursday, May 14
- Brussels: Friday, April 24, Sunday, April 16, Friday, May 1, Sunday, May 3, Friday, May 8, Sunday, May 10, Friday, May 15
- Frankfurt: Saturday, April 25, Sunday, May 3, Sunday, May 10
- London Heathrow: Saturday, April 25, Wednesday, April 29, Thursday, April 30, Saturday, May 2, Wednesday, May 6, Saturday, May 9, Wednesday, May 13
- Zurich: Friday, April 24, Sunday, April 26, Friday, May 1, Sunday, May 3, Friday, May 8, Sunday, May 10, Friday, May 15
North America
- Chicago: Saturday, April 25
Asia
- Jakarta: Thursday, April 30, Thursday, May 7, Thursday, May 14
- Kuala Lumpur: Saturday, May 2, Saturday, May 9
- Manila: Friday, April 24, Tuesday, April 28, Thursday, April 30, Friday, May 1, Tuesday, May 5, Thursday, May 7, Friday, May 8, Tuesday, May 12, Thursday, May 14, Friday, May 15
- Melbourne: Friday, April 24, Tuesday, April 28, Friday, May 1, Tuesday, May 5, Friday, May 8, Tuesday, May 12, Friday, May 15
- Seoul Incheon: Saturday, April 25, Tuesday, April 28, Thursday, April 30, Saturday, May 2, Tuesday, May 5, Thursday, May 7, Saturday, May 9, Tuesday, May 12, Thursday, May 14
- Singapore: Tuesday, April 28, Tuesday, May 5, Tuesday, May 12
- Tokyo Narita: Monday, April 27
Flights are available for booking through etihad.com, the airline app, by calling 600 555 666 (UAE), or through a local or online travel agency.
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What Else?
Etihad is mulling over a gradual return by operating a reduced schedule of passenger services from 30 June 2020. However, the operations are subject to approvals from the UAE government. The airline has stated that they will resume only after the UAE lifts travel restrictions.
This one is for the frontline workers dedicated to bringing you home safely. You make us proud. We salute you today and everyday #ThankYouHeroes pic.twitter.com/zNW6TZCXhs
— Etihad Airways (@etihad) April 15, 2020
Speaking about the decision, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “The monumental challenges being faced by all airlines, and our customers, have been beyond measure. However, we remain cautiously optimistic and will push ahead with our plans to resume normal flying, while striving to better serve and support our customers and our employees.”
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Etihad however did not specify the destinations it would operate to once services resume. Etihad suspended all passenger flights starting on March 25 for two weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the airline has been operating a number of special repatriation flights to transport those wanting to exit or enter the country.
The Covid pandemic has brought the travel industry to a stand-still as countries impose lockdowns worldwide. In a recent video on Twitter, Etihad put out a heartwarming tribute to frontline Covid-19 workers.
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