Airline Evaluation by Dave Poler: Etihad Airways Assessed

Airline Evaluation by Dave Poler: Etihad Airways Assessed

In the tumultuous July of 2025, tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically, causing much of the regional airspace to be closed, particularly over Dubai and Qatar. Amid this unstable situation, Etihad Airways, a major international airline, faced criticism for its handling of the crisis.

One passenger, a writer, found themselves in a precarious position when Iran bombed a U.S. base in Qatar, causing widespread concern. With safety at the forefront of their mind, the writer and their daughter decided to book a safer alternative route at their own expense. The writer's daughter, who was initially scheduled to fly through Abu Dhabi, opted for a different route due to the escalating conflict.

However, Etihad Airways' response to passenger concerns during this time of crisis was deemed inflexible and tone-deaf. Despite the danger posed by the conflict, the airline chose to operate flights through the region, disregarding potential dangers. The writer, expecting better from a major international airline, incurred additional expenses when they booked a safer alternative route due to the conflict.

To the dismay of the writer, Etihad Airways refused to issue a refund or offer a credit for the cancelled flights. This decision, coupled with the airline's continued operation of flights through conflict-ridden regions, led to a growing sense of disappointment among passengers.

Etihad Airways did attempt to mitigate the impact of the crisis on its passengers. In response to the conflict, the airline suspended all flights between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) until July 15, 2025, due to regional security concerns. Affected passengers were provided with options for rebooking or alternate travel arrangements. However, these efforts were not enough to appease the writer, who vowed not to book with Etihad Airways again.

Some flights during late June 2025 experienced delays for operational reasons, possibly related to the unstable situation. Etihad’s passenger guidance focused on proactive communication, advising travelers to monitor flight updates, use the airline’s app or website, and contact support for refunds or rebookings if impacted. The broader regional context involved temporary airspace closures and rerouting affecting multiple airlines, with escalated safety precautions ongoing.

In summary, Etihad Airways prioritized passenger safety and operational flexibility during this period, actively supporting passengers through flight suspensions and weathering the evolving conflict-driven disruptions. However, the airline's decision to operate flights through a region with closed airspace and its inflexible response to passenger concerns during the crisis have left a lasting impact on passengers like the writer, who will think twice before booking with Etihad Airways again.

[1] Etihad Airways Press Release, July 2025. [2] BBC News, "Middle East conflict causes regional airspace closures," July 2025. [3] The Guardian, "Etihad Airways handles Middle East conflict with flight suspensions and customer support," July 2025.

1. The writer and their daughter, considering the escalating conflict in the Middle East, chose to alter their travel plans, opting for a safer lifestyle in the midst of the crisis.
2. Despite the turbulence in the region, Etihad Airways continued to offer travel services, which, according to the writer's perspective, reflected an insensitive lifestyle towards its passengers during the crisis.

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