Etihad Airways has announced that it has suspended all flights with immediate effect.

The news comes as the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) decided to bring forward their directive to suspend all inbound, outbound, and transit passenger flights in the UAE to today (Tuesday 23 March).

This decision was made to limit the spread of the covid-19 novel coronavirus and to protect citizens, residents, and international travellers.

As a result, Etihad Airways has had to bring forward the date of its temporary flight suspension from the UAE (originally meant to be from 25 March) and will therefore suspend all departures from Abu Dhabi International Airport immediately for an initial14-day period, subject to further directives by the relevant authorities.

All Etihad Airways aircraft currently outside the UAE today, Tuesday 24 March, will continue to operate to Abu Dhabi as planned, with the final arrival on 25 March, carrying passengers permitted to enter the UAE under current government-imposed restrictions.

Etihad Airways continues to follow UAE and international government and regulatory authority directives and is applying a contingency plan to assist affected customers. The airline will announce the resumption of services through its usual channels once restrictions are lifted.

All guests affected by the temporary flight suspension have been advised to visit etihad.com/travelalerts to understand their rebooking options.

Visit gov.uk for the latest travel advice information.