HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Etihad Resumes Flights Amid Missile Threats, Emirates Scales Back

Bloomberg Markets •
×

Etihad Airways will restart commercial flights to approximately 70 destinations starting March 6 after nearly a week of suspension due to missile threats in the United Arab Emirates. The state-owned carrier will operate a limited schedule from Abu Dhabi to Europe, India, the US, and the Middle East, including Riyadh and Tel Aviv, though services remain subject to operational approvals and may be adjusted based on airspace conditions.

The resumption follows significant disruptions across the region, with Abu Dhabi Airport evacuating passengers during missile alerts and intercepting an Iranian drone that killed one person and injured several. Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest international hub, suffered damage to a concourse. Emirates, the world's largest international airline, is operating a scaled-back schedule as the UAE establishes safe air corridors capable of handling up to 48 flights per hour.

This partial reopening represents a critical step for Middle East aviation, though ongoing risks persist. The resumption signals cautious optimism for airlines facing substantial financial losses from prolonged shutdowns, though investors will monitor whether operational stability can be maintained amid persistent regional tensions.