Etihad Resumes Limited Flights from Abu Dhabi Amid Rising West Asia Tensions

Abu Dhabi, March 2026 : Amid rapidly evolving security conditions in West Asia and the Gulf region, Etihad Airways has resumed limited commercial flight operations between Abu Dhabi and several major international destinations. The airline announced the decision through a travel advisory posted on its official website, stating that the move followed extensive security assessments and close coordination with relevant authorities.

According to the airline, the gradual resumption of services reflects improving operational conditions but also acknowledges that the regional security situation remains fluid. Etihad said it continues to closely monitor developments and will operate flights only when all safety and security requirements are fully satisfied.

The airline emphasised that passenger safety remains its top priority and that schedules may still change depending on developments in the region.

Wide Range of Destinations Included

Etihad confirmed that scheduled flights to and from Abu Dhabi between March 6 and March 19 would connect the UAE capital with a wide range of global destinations across Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, and Australia.

The list of destinations includes major cities such as Ahmedabad, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, Athens, Atlanta, Bangkok, Barcelona, Beijing, Bengaluru, Boston, and Brussels.

Other destinations include Cairo, Casablanca, Chicago, Colombo, Copenhagen, Delhi, Denpasar, Dublin, Frankfurt, Geneva, Hanoi, Hong Kong, Hyderabad and Islamabad.

Flights are also planned to destinations such as Istanbul, Jakarta, Jeddah, Karachi, Kochi, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore and London.

Additional services include routes to Madrid, Male, Manchester, Manila, Melbourne, Milan, Moscow, Mumbai, Munich, Muscat, Nairobi, New York and Paris.

Other international routes include Prague, Riyadh, Rome, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna, Warsaw, Washington and Zurich.

Passengers have been advised to regularly check the airline’s official website for the most up-to-date flight schedules and travel advisories.

Regional Conflict Behind Disruptions

The disruptions to air travel in the region stem from escalating tensions following a joint military operation by the United States and Israel on February 28, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.

The incident triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities across West Asia. In response, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli and American assets in several Gulf countries. The attacks disrupted major shipping routes and triggered volatility in global energy markets.

As the conflict entered its second week, military exchanges between the opposing sides continued, raising fears of a broader regional war. Iran has also threatened to block the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.

Any disruption to traffic through the strait could have severe consequences for global energy markets and international trade.

UN Calls for De-escalation

Amid the worsening crisis, Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in West Asia.

In a message posted on social media platform X, the United Nations chief warned that the conflict poses a serious threat to global peace and security. He noted that civilians across the region were already suffering the consequences of the fighting.

Guterres urged all parties involved in the conflict to immediately reduce tensions and move toward dialogue and diplomacy.

“De-escalation and negotiations are the only path forward,” he said, calling on all sides to end hostilities, respect international law, protect civilians, and return to the negotiating table.

As the situation continues to evolve, airlines and governments around the world remain on high alert, closely monitoring developments in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)