Etihad Airways Adopts Flexible Rebooking Policies

Etihad Airways, the second-largest airline in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is adopting a more flexible rebooking policy in response to traveler concerns over cancelations due to the Coronavirus.

Etihad will allow customers to book a complimentary date or destination change for flights booked until April 7, 2020. The offer is only valid for travel from March 22, 2020.

“Many passengers intending to travel, or part-way through their journeys, have been impacted by flight cancellations or by travel restrictions imposed to help contain the spread of the Covid-19 virus,” Etihad Airways said in an announcement on the carrier’s website.

“Only one change is permitted. Further changes will attract standard fees. Re-routing or rebooking can only proceed if there are no travel restrictions on intended routes. Passengers can also request a cancellation. In this case, the refund is without penalty on the unused portion of any tickets.”

Additionally, Etihad will allow customers who were due to fly before June 30, to rebook for departures up to July 15, without a standard change fee if their flight was cancelled or if they faced some other travel restriction.

“In response to the Covid-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak, extensive measures have been introduced by the United Arab Emirates and many other nations to help limit the spread of the virus,” said Etihad.

“Etihad Airways has suspended services on some routes in the Gulf region, to China and Hong Kong, and introduced fee waivers for guests who are required to cancel their flights or change their travel arrangements because of Covid-19 restrictions.”