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DUBAI: Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways said on Saturday that it will extend the suspension of previously scheduled passenger flights until May 16 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The airline, which was aiming to partially resume passenger flights from May 1, said in a statement that all scheduled services would remain on the ground until May 16 at least. Earlier in the day, he had said the suspension would last until May 15.
Etihad and other UAE airlines have been operating outbound-only flights for foreigners who wish to leave the Persian Gulf state, which has prohibited the entry of people from abroad due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
While Etihad hoped to resume a reduced network of scheduled passenger services starting May 1, subject to the suspension of travel restrictions imposed by the UAE government, the airline will now delay this plan until at least 16 May, due to the current situation, “a company said the spokeswoman said.
“This decision is being made early to avoid possible interruptions to customers who want to travel during that period, and for their safety and well-being,” the company said.
The coronavirus outbreak has virtually halted all international air travel.
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