Etihad Airways has indefinitely delayed the resumption of its direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Nairobi.
This announcement follows the airline’s inability to initiate the flights on June 1, 2024, as previously scheduled. These non-stop connections were expected to facilitate seamless travel for Kenyan guests to destinations across the globe, leveraging Etihad’s extensive network spanning the GCC, the US, Europe, India, and Southeast Asia. However, the airline has encountered unforeseen challenges, forcing an indefinite postponement of the flight’s return.
The reinstatement of the Abu Dhabi-Nairobi route was poised to be a significant milestone, restoring commercial non-stop passenger connections after a hiatus of nearly three years due to the pandemic. Etihad had announced its commitment to operating daily flights using the advanced Airbus A320, equipped with both Business and Economy cabins. This direct service would have provided Kenyan passengers with the convenience of effortless connections to Etihad’s global destinations. Despite the initial excitement surrounding the May 1 launch date, Etihad Airways faced obstacles beyond its control, prompting the unexpected delay.
While the airline has refrained from disclosing specifics, speculations point to potential regulatory hurdles and adverse weather conditions as contributing factors. This abrupt cancellation has caught many travellers off guard, leaving them scrambling for alternative arrangements. In response to the disruption, Etihad Airways has assured affected passengers that they can request a full refund for completely unused tickets. For partially utilized tickets, refunds will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
The airline’s customer service teams are working diligently to assist travellers in navigating this unexpected change. While the indefinite postponement has undoubtedly caused inconvenience for travellers, Etihad Airways remains resolute in its commitment to the Kenyan market.
