The skies over the Middle East haven't been this quiet—or this tense—in decades. If you've been stuck in Abu Dhabi or watching the news with a growing sense of dread, the headlines about the Iran-Israel war in 2026 have likely upended every travel plan you had. But there’s finally a bit of movement. Etihad Airways just opened bookings for more than 100 flights out of Zayed International Airport.
It isn't a "return to normal" by any stretch. It’s a calculated, limited restart in a region that's still very much a flashpoint. If you're holding a ticket or thinking about buying one, you need more than just a flight number. You need to know the risks, the rules, and the reality of flying through a literal war zone. Don't miss our earlier article on this related article.
The Strategy Behind the 100 Flight Restart
Etihad isn't just flipping a switch. They're operating a "limited commercial schedule" that's heavily dependent on which air corridors the military hasn't claimed. Between March 9 and March 12, 2026, the airline is aiming for roughly 20 flights a day. That’s a fraction of their usual capacity, but for the thousands of people sleeping on airport benches or stuck in hotels, it's a lifeline.
The focus is clearly on high-demand hubs. We're talking about London Heathrow, New York JFK, Paris, and major Indian gateways like Delhi and Mumbai. The airline is prioritizing passengers who were already stranded when the airspace slammed shut in late February. If you're one of them, check your email. Etihad is reaching out directly to re-accommodate people, but don't just show up at the airport hoping for a standby seat. They’ve been very clear: no confirmed ticket, no entry to the terminal. To read more about the context of this, National Geographic Travel provides an excellent summary.
Where Can You Actually Go
The route list for this week is surprisingly diverse given the circumstances. It seems the UAE authorities have carved out specific "waypoint corridors" to keep civilian traffic away from the most volatile zones.
Confirmed Destinations from Abu Dhabi (March 9–12):
- Europe: London (EY67), Paris (EY33), Rome (EY83), Zurich (EY141), Frankfurt (EY123), and Milan (EY79).
- North America: New York JFK (EY3) and Toronto (EY21).
- Asia & Oceania: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Seoul (EY826), and Hanoi.
- Indian Subcontinent: Mumbai (EY206), Delhi (EY218), Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Colombo, and Malé.
- Middle East & Africa: Riyadh (EY553), Jeddah (EY615), and Cairo (EY713).
If your destination isn't on that list, you're likely still grounded. Most regional flights to places like Amman, Beirut, or Kuwait remain suspended because the airspace is simply too unpredictable.
The Refund and Rebooking Reality
Let’s talk money, because that’s usually where the frustration peaks. Etihad has updated its policy to account for the ongoing conflict. If you hold a ticket issued on or before February 28, 2026, for travel dates up to March 21, 2026, you have two real options.
First, you can rebook for free. They're allowing changes onto any Etihad-operated flight for travel through May 15, 2026. This is great if you can delay your trip, but with the way things are going, May might not look much better than March.
Second, you can request a full refund. Honestly, if you don't have to travel right now, this is the smartest move. The regional situation is fluid. One drone interception near a flight path could ground everything again for another week. If you booked through a travel agent, you have to deal with them directly—Etihad won't touch those bookings on their website.
Why You Should Probably Stay Home
I’m going to be blunt: just because a flight is available doesn't mean you should take it. Flying into or out of the Gulf right now involves longer flight times as pilots navigate around "restricted zones" near Iran and Iraq. You're looking at extra fuel stops or massive detours that add hours to a trip.
There’s also the logistical nightmare on the ground. Zayed International Airport is operating under "restricted access." Security is tight, and the atmosphere is anything but "seamless." If your flight gets canceled while you’re at the airport, you might find yourself in a very long line with limited options for food or rest, as the airport is prioritizing cargo and repatriation.
What to Do Right Now
If you absolutely must fly, here is your checklist. Don't skip these steps:
- Verify the Status: Check etihad.com or their app every two hours. Schedules are changing faster than the news cycle.
- Update Contact Info: Ensure your mobile number and email are correct in the "Manage Booking" section. If a flight opens up, that's how they'll find you.
- Check Your Insurance: Many standard travel insurance policies have "act of war" exclusions. Read the fine print before you assume you're covered for a cancellation.
- Pack Essentials: Assume you will be delayed. Pack extra meds, chargers, and snacks in your carry-on.
The aviation industry in the Gulf is resilient, but it isn't magic. They are doing their best to get people home, but the safety of the crew and passengers comes before your vacation or business meeting. Keep your expectations low and your patience high.
Check your flight status one last time before you even think about grabbing your suitcase. If your flight number isn't on the confirmed list for the next 48 hours, stay where you are and wait for the official nod from the airline.
