Etihad Operates 66 Flights Ex-Abu Dhabi On Sunday, March 29, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Operates 67 flights from Abu Dhabi on March 29
• Flex rebooking policy extended through April 15
• Guest tier requirements cut 25% until 2027
• Flight count ~60% of pre‑war levels
• Connecting options remain limited at Abu Dhabi hub

Summary

Etihad Airways resumed commercial flights three weeks after suspending operations when the Iran‑UAE conflict began on Feb. 28, and on March 29 it operated 67 passenger flights from its Abu Dhabi hub. The airline’s daily schedule now sits at roughly 60% of its pre‑war capacity, with flight counts fluctuating between 62 and 71 over the past ten days. Etihad also extended its flexible rebooking and refund policy through April 15, 2026, and lowered Etihad Guest tier qualification requirements by 25% until March 31, 2027. The carrier continues to add destinations, though it still provides no published weekly flight plan.

Pulse Analysis

The Iran‑UAE war forced Etihad to halt operations on Feb. 28, a move that rippled through the Gulf’s aviation ecosystem. After a three‑week hiatus, the airline’s gradual restart reflects both logistical challenges and a strategic push to recapture market share. By March 29, Etihad was running 67 flights, a clear indicator that demand is rebounding and that the carrier is confident enough to scale back up toward its historic schedule.

Etihad’s operational cadence now hovers around 60% of its pre‑conflict capacity, with daily flights ranging from the low 60s to low 70s. While the airline has stopped publishing a week‑ahead flight roster, the current mix of long‑haul and regional services—spanning North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East—demonstrates a balanced recovery strategy. However, limited frequencies at Abu Dhabi still constrain seamless connections, prompting business travelers to weigh alternative hubs for multi‑city itineraries.

Beyond the aircraft, Etihad is leveraging customer‑centric policies to bolster loyalty. The flexible rebooking window, extended to mid‑April, and a 25% reduction in Guest tier qualification thresholds until 2027, aim to retain price‑sensitive flyers and attract new members amid fierce Gulf competition. These measures, combined with a steady increase in flight numbers, position Etihad to capture a larger share of the post‑war travel surge while laying groundwork for future network expansions.