Etihad resumes full scheduled flights to Europe

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways on Thursday said it has recommenced its full scheduled operations following the opening of all UK and European airports.

"The airline is now working round-the-clock to ensure all passengers affected by the airspace closures are flown to their final destination," an airline statement said.

Etihad Airways' Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan, said: "Obviously such an extensive disruption has created a backlog, and Etihad’s top priority is getting all passengers – either in transit at Abu Dhabi or travelling from all of our 60 other ports - to their final destinations safely and quickly."

Hogan said the transit passengers remaining in Abu Dhabi would fly out within 48 hours.

"We are also working hard to ensure people travelling from our outstations, who have been waiting for the situation in the UK, Ireland and Europe to stabilise, are accommodated on new services as a matter of urgency."

The airline’s measures to clear the backlog of passengers include:

• Operating additional flights to complement its regular schedule to busy ports including London, Dublin, Milan and Munich.
• Upgrading aircraft to increase available seats on a range of routes including London.
• Liaising with embassies at all ports to ensure every Etihad passenger is identified, cared for and rebooked.
• More than 22,000 Etihad passengers were affected by flight cancellations and delays as a result of the aircraft closures around the world.

Special Etihad assistance lines remain open for all affected customers:

• In the UAE – 800 550 55 (toll free)
• In the UK – 0800 917 7521 (toll free)
• Customers in other overseas locations can contact their local office, travel agent or +971 25 990 900
• For flight updates, please visit www.etihadairways.com