Abu Dhabi's Etihad extends suspension of scheduled flights until at least 16 May

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways said on Saturday that it would extend its suspension of scheduled passenger flights until at least 16 May amid the coronavirus pandemic.

MEE reported on 23 March that the UAE would halt all passenger and transit flights to and from the country for at least two weeks. In addition, foreign airlines would no longer be allowed to land or transit through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other airport in the UAE.

The airline, which had previously aimed to partially resume passenger flights from 1 May, said in a statement that all scheduled services would remain grounded until 16 May at the earliest, according to Reuters.

Etihad and other UAE airlines have been operating outbound-only flights for foreigners who want to leave the Gulf Arab state, which has banned the entry of people from abroad because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

"While Etihad hoped to resume a reduced network of scheduled passenger services from 1 May, subject to UAE government-imposed travel restrictions being lifted, the airline will now delay this plan until at least 16 May, due to the ongoing situation," a company spokeswoman said.

"This decision is being taken early to avoid potential disruption to customers wishing to travel during that period, and for their safety and well-being," the company said.

As of Saturday afternoon, Etihad's website said: "Our aim is to gradually return to a fuller schedule as soon as it is safe for us to do so, but for now our flights remain suspended and will return on 16 May." The website had also revealed details of a new route to Vienna set to launch on Wednesday, 1 July, according to The National.

The coronavirus pandemic has virtually halted all international air travel.