In an unprecedented disruption to air travel linked to escalating US–Israel military strikes on Iran, Etihad Airways has announced the temporary suspension of all departures from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport until 2:00 p.m. UAE time on Sunday, March 01, 2026. The move comes amid widespread regional airspace closures that have affected carriers across the Gulf and beyond, leaving passengers facing cancellations, reroutes and uncertain travel plans.The airline, which operates a global network from its hub in the UAE capital, said that no outbound flights will depart Abu Dhabi during the suspension window and that arrivals scheduled before this cutoff will be cancelled outright. Flights expected after 2:00 p.m. are “expected to operate, subject to operational conditions”, underscoring the fluid nature of the situation. Aircraft already en route to Abu Dhabi have been instructed to return to their origin airports where required, further compounding disruption for travellers worldwide.Etihad is proactively reaching out to affected passengers with rebooking options and hotel accommodation support as needed, urging travellers to regularly check their flight status on the airline’s official website or app before setting out for the airport. The airline has also warned that connecting passengers whose onward sectors have been cancelled will not be permitted to board at their departure points, even if the initial flight segment remains scheduled.
Why the Etihad Airways suspension happened: UAE airspace closures after US-Israel strike Iran
The suspension of Abu Dhabi flights is not happening in isolation. Across the Middle East, airspace has been temporarily closed or restricted following a series of strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, triggering retaliatory missile launches by Tehran and military responses that prompted neighbouring countries to pull civilian aircraft out of harm’s way. These safety concerns have prompted other major airports, including Dubai International Airport and Hamad International Airport in Doha, to halt operations, divert flights or cancel services entirely.
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Global carriers from Europe to Asia have also been affected, with several airlines cancelling or suspending flights to Gulf hubs. The airspace closures forced aircraft to avoid large swathes of the Middle East, complicating long-haul routes that normally transit the region’s air corridors and leaving passengers stranded in cities from London and Paris to Mumbai and Singapore.
What this means for Etihad Airways’ passengers and Abu Dhabi airport operations
In its statement, Etihad emphasised that passenger and crew safety is its highest priority. With military activity raising risks for civilian aircraft, especially when air defence systems are active, airlines and authorities have a legal and operational mandate to withdraw services from potentially unsafe areas. This precautionary approach mirrors global aviation protocols, where temporary grounding and rerouting are standard responses to conflict-related airspace threats.Apologising for the disruption, the carrier said, “The safety of Etihad’s guests and staff is our highest priority.” By suspending departures and closely coordinating with national authorities, Etihad aims to minimise risk while monitoring conditions that will allow a safe resumption of normal operations once the situation stabilises.
For Etihad Airways’ passengers departing or connecting in Abu Dhabi
- Outbound flights from Zayed International Airport are suspended until at least 2 p.m. on March 1, affecting dozens of Etihad services.
- Arrivals scheduled before this cutoff have been cancelled, meaning travellers heading to Abu Dhabi on early morning flights may have to rebook or wait for later services.
- Flights scheduled to arrive after the suspension may operate, but only if airspace restrictions and schedules allow.
- Travellers who booked connecting flights via AUH risk being denied boarding at their first departure airport if their onward segments are cancelled, leaving them to seek alternative arrangements.
Etihad is offering rebooking options, refunds or hotel stays for impacted passengers, though the extent of support can vary depending on fare conditions and booking channels. Passengers are strongly advised to ensure their contact details are up to date so that airlines can communicate changes promptly.
Wider impact on Middle East aviation network
The suspension at Etihad reflects a broader regional aviation shutdown as airlines and regulators prioritise flight safety amid geopolitical volatility. Gulf carriers such as Emirates and flydubai have also seen operations paused or adjusted due to the same airspace closures. Authorities across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain have closed or restricted their skies, prompting massive travel disruptions that have reverberated globally.
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International airlines, including major European and Asian carriers, have followed suit with temporary suspensions, rerouting flights around the affected zones or cancelling services altogether. This has led to a logistical ripple effect, with thousands of passengers stranded at hubs around the world and flights being rerouted through longer paths to avoid restricted airspace.Etihad Airways has suspended departures from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport until at least 2:00 p.m. on March 1, 2026, in response to widespread airspace closures. Arrivals scheduled before this time are cancelled, while flights expected after are subject to changing conditions. The disruption results from U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran, leading to regional safety precautions and airspace shutdowns. Passengers are being contacted with rebooking and accommodation options but travel plans remain highly fluid.
