Etihad Airways is flying to and from Delhi right now, but on a sharply reduced schedule.
The airline’s Delhi service dropped from its usual four daily flights to just three weekly after the US-Iran conflict forced Middle East airspace closures starting 28 February 2026. If you’re trying to fly Etihad between Abu Dhabi and Delhi this April, here’s what you need to know about schedules, rebooking, and safety.
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Etihad Delhi Flights: What’s Operating Now
Etihad’s Delhi to Abu Dhabi service is currently running at three flights per week through 30 April 2026, down from the pre-crisis frequency of four daily departures. The reduction is part of Etihad’s wider April schedule revision covering its entire network.
The two key flight numbers on this route are:
- EY218 (Abu Dhabi to Delhi) and EY219 (Delhi to Abu Dhabi)
- Flight time is approximately 3 hours 40 minutes, though some services are seeing slightly longer times due to rerouted flight paths avoiding Iranian and Iraqi airspace
Both flights were tracked as operating on 5-6 April 2026, with minor delays of 20-30 minutes. Schedules remain subject to short-notice changes if regional airspace conditions shift.
Why Etihad’s Delhi Service Is Reduced
The US-Iran conflict that erupted on 28 February 2026 triggered airspace closures across at least eight Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE. Etihad suspended all departures from Abu Dhabi and only resumed limited commercial operations on 6 March.
Zayed International Airport is currently handling between 40% and 60% of its normal capacity. Etihad is operating around 80 destinations from its hub, but most routes, including Delhi, are running at reduced frequencies.
India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, has also ordered Indian carriers to avoid 11 West Asian airspace zones, including Iranian and Iraqi airspace. This forces longer routing for all India-Gulf flights, creating a knock-on effect on scheduling and turnaround times at both ends.
When Will Etihad Restore Full Delhi Service
There’s no confirmed date for full restoration. Etihad’s current reduced schedule is locked in through 30 April 2026, and the airline has described its network recovery as a “phased resumption” that depends on regional airspace conditions.
Two things to watch for signals of recovery:
- EASA’s conflict zone bulletin (CZIB 2026-03-R5), which currently advises operators to avoid UAE airspace, is valid through 10 April 2026 and has been extended on a rolling basis since March
- UAE airspace stability remains fragile, with repeated temporary shutdowns still occurring due to regional security incidents
Until the broader conflict de-escalates and EASA lifts its advisory, expect Etihad’s Delhi service to remain at three weekly flights or similar reduced frequency. Check Etihad’s flight status tracker for the latest before booking.
Rebooking and Refunds for Etihad Delhi Flights
Etihad has a crisis-specific waiver in place under code CW005-2026 for passengers affected by the Middle East disruptions. Here’s what it covers as of the latest update on 4 April 2026:
Who Qualifies
- Tickets must be Etihad-marketed (document number starting with 607)
- Tickets must have been issued on or before 28 February 2026
- Original travel dates must fall between 28 February and 15 April 2026
Your Options
- Free rebooking: rebook once without fees onto any Etihad-operated flight departing on or before 15 June 2026 (extended from the previous 15 May deadline)
- Full refund: request a refund including ancillary purchases, even if your specific flight was not cancelled
- Rerouting: permitted within defined airport groups at no extra charge
How to Process Your Request
- Self-service via etihad.com/manage or the Etihad app
- Travel agents must insert the remark “CW005-2026 Middle East situation” in the PNR
- Refund processing takes 5-14 business days for card payments, up to 45 business days for other methods
From 16 April 2026 onward, passengers holding tickets for cancelled flights can still request a refund or rebook free of charge. If you bought your Etihad Delhi ticket after 28 February, the crisis waiver does not apply; check Etihad’s website for the latest policies.
Is It Safe to Fly Etihad to Delhi Right Now
Flying Etihad between Abu Dhabi and Delhi is operationally viable, but comes with real caveats. The route itself avoids the worst conflict zones, as Etihad reroutes its India flights south through Omani and Arabian Sea airspace rather than through Iranian or Iraqi corridors.
Key advisory context:
- India’s DGCA has directed airlines to avoid 11 West Asian airspaces, and reviews the directive every 48 hours in consultation with EASA and the ICAO Threat and Risk Working Group
- EASA’s CZIB 2026-03-R5 advises European operators to avoid UAE airspace at all altitudes, currently valid through 10 April 2026
- UAE airspace has reopened after multiple brief closures, but temporary shutdowns continue when security incidents occur
The practical risk for Delhi passengers is not the flight itself but the disruption risk. Your flight could be cancelled or delayed at short notice if Abu Dhabi’s airspace closes again. Travel insurance covering trip interruption is strongly recommended for any India-Gulf itinerary right now.
If you’re connecting through Abu Dhabi on Etihad to a third destination, build in extra buffer time. Missed connections at Abu Dhabi are common right now due to cascading delays across Etihad’s reduced network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still connect through Abu Dhabi on Etihad to reach Europe or the US from Delhi?
Yes, but with reduced options. Etihad’s European and North American routes are also running at lower frequencies, and flight paths to those destinations are being rerouted south of the Arabian Peninsula, adding 60-120 minutes to journey times. Book on a single Etihad ticket so the airline is responsible for rebooking you if you miss a connection.
I bought my Etihad Delhi ticket after 28 February. Am I covered by the waiver?
No. The CW005-2026 waiver only applies to tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026. If your flight is cancelled, Etihad will still offer rebooking or a refund under its standard policies and conditions of carriage, but the crisis-specific free rebooking flexibility won’t apply. Note that EU Regulation 261/2004 does not cover flights departing from Abu Dhabi. Check Etihad’s website for any newer waivers that may have been announced.
Are other airlines still flying between Delhi and Abu Dhabi?
Air India and Air India Express are operating India-UAE routes on a mix of scheduled and ad-hoc flights, with schedules shifting daily. IndiGo has also reduced its Gulf services. Etihad remains the most consistent carrier on the Delhi-Abu Dhabi route right now, but always verify the day before travel.
Will Etihad rebook me on Air India if my Delhi flight is cancelled?
Etihad does not have a formal interline rebooking agreement with Air India for crisis situations. If your flight is cancelled, Etihad will typically rebook you on the next available Etihad service. Given the three-weekly frequency to Delhi, this could mean a wait of several days.
Should I arrive earlier at Delhi airport for my Etihad flight?
Yes. Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi is recommending passengers arrive 3 hours before international departures due to heightened security. At Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International, standard international check-in timelines apply, but allow extra time in case of last-minute schedule changes or gate reassignments.
Sources
- Etihad Airways — Etihad Airways to Resume Limited Flight Schedule From 6 March
- LoyaltyLobby — Etihad Updates Flexible Rebooking & Refund Policy Until April 15, 2026
- Al Jazeera — Airspace Closed, Airlines Halt Flights as US, Israel Attack, Iran Responds
- EASA — Conflict Zone Information Bulletins
- CNBC — UAE Reopens Airspace After Brief Shutdown
- The Logical Indian — DGCA Urges Airlines to Avoid 11 Airspaces Amid West Asia Conflict
- AeroRoutes — Etihad April 2026 Operations Update
- CNN — How Middle East Airspace Closures Are Reshaping Global Aviation
- IBTimes — Zayed International Airport Open but Operating at Reduced Capacity
- CNBC — India Hit by High Oil Prices, Flight Cancellations Amid Iran Conflict
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
