Middle East crisis. Etihad follows Emirates and announces resumption of flights (including to Italy)
While in Doha nothing moves and all Qatar Airways planes remain grounded due to the closure of the [...]
Etihad Airways
MXP
United Arab Emirates
While in Doha nothing moves and all Qatar Airways planes remain grounded. for the closure of Qatari airspace, the latest news from the Gulf in the last few hours is that Etihad followed Emirates by reporting partial resumption of flight operations to and from its Abu Dhabi hub.
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Previously, the Dubai-based airline had announced the restart of connections to a total of 33 destinations worldwide, including Rome and Milan in Italy (but not Venice and Bologna).
The following are bookable on the carrier's website Two daily connections on Dubai-Rome-Dubai (one with Airbus A380 and one with Boeing 777-300ER) and one daily flight on Dubai-Milan-Dubai operated with Boeing 777-300ER.
Between Milan Malpensa and New York JFK, the fifth-freedom connection was purchasable for the day of March 6, but not for subsequent days. In the list available on the EK website is the Athens/Newark link., but not the Milan/New York JFK one. Il barbone will be on board the flight in the next few days, but at the moment his reservation is confirmed.
Etihad Airways has announced a far more massive restart, with a schedule that between March 6 and 19 includes connections from its Abu Dhabi hub to 69 destinations around the world, including Rome and Milan.
Both Italian cities will be served starting March 7 with daily connection: An Airbus A350-1000 will operate at Malpensa and a 787-10 at Fiumicino on March 7 and then a 787-9 from March 8.
Of course, the carrier cautions that "All services remain subject to operational approvals and may be modified based on airspace conditions in the region." and that "interested parties will receive direct communication from Etihad confirming the status of their flight and outlining the options available to them, and are encouraged to ensure that their contact information is up-to-date and to monitor emails for further updates."
However, the policy already in effect since last March 1 regarding reprotections and refunds remains in effect: Passengers holding Etihad tickets issued by Feb. 28, 2026, with original travel dates up to March 21, 2026, can make rebookings on Etihad-operated flights free of charge until May 15, 2026, or they can request a refund on the airline's website or through their travel agent if they purchased their ticket through that channel.
