Etihad Airways Commonly Delayed and Cancelled Routes + Status

Written By Amy Lancelotte

Last Updated: September 23, 2024

What Are the Chances of an Etihad Flight Interruption?

According to OAG, Etihad Airways scores relatively well for both cancelled and delayed flights. In 2022, the company’s on-time arrivals, defined by arriving less than 15 minutes late, was 81.14%. That number improved to 82.68% in 2023. Luckily, passengers should expect to have their flights delayed on fewer than 2 out of every 10 flights.

In 2022, only 0.55% of routes appeared on the Etihad Airways flights cancelled list, meaning fewer than 1 in 100 flights are typically cancelled.

If your European Etihad flight is delayed by 3 hours or more, compensation may be possible. Check your claim eligibility here.Check Your Flight

Which Etihad Routes Commonly Get Delayed or Cancelled?

Some Etihad routes are worse than others for disruptions. Although the company has a solid overall record, these are most often found on the Etihad Airways problems list according to FlightStats by Cirium from the beginning of July to the end of August 2024: 

Etihad List of Commonly Delayed Flights

Note that flight EY48 did not arrive on time at all during the reporting period.

Also, all the severely delayed Etihad flights land at Abu Dhabi Airport, but take off from destinations throughout Europe.

Etihad Commonly Cancelled Routes

The nice thing about flying with Etihad is that they don’t cancel very many flights. From FlightStats, the routes that were most often cancelled were EY901 and EY902 between Frankfurt and Abu Dhabi. EY901 had a 100% cancellation rate, but to put this in perspective, there was only one cancelled flight during the period we reviewed. EY902 had a 50% cancellation rate, but this also represents a single entry on the Etihad flights cancelled list.

Why Did Your Etihad Airways Flight Get Cancelled?

Asking the airline is the best way to know the exact reason for your cancelled flight, but these are the most frequent causes:

• Adverse weather: Weather conditions like fog, thunderstorms, snow, or hurricanes can create unsafe flying conditions.
• Technical malfunctions: If an aircraft experiences mechanical problems that cannot be quickly fixed, the flight may be cancelled, especially if no replacement plane is available in time.
• Crew shortages: Flights may be cancelled if crew members are delayed or if they exceed their maximum working hours.
• Air Traffic Control limitations: High air traffic volume or restrictions set by ATC can sometimes lead to a cancelled flight to manage congestion.
• Security issues: Threats, incidents, or security measures either at the airport or involving the aircraft itself may cause the flight to be called off.
• Labor strikes: Strikes by Etihad staff, airport employees, or air traffic controllers can quickly land your flight on the Etihad disruptions list.
• Low passenger numbers: Although uncommon, flights may be cancelled if they are underbooked, as the airline may decide it's not economically viable to operate the flight.

Tips to Limit Etihad Airways Delayed and Cancelled Flights

• Book early morning flights: Flights departing earlier in the day are generally less likely to experience delays, as they avoid the buildup of air traffic throughout the day.
• Choose direct flights: Opt for non-stop flights to avoid the risks of delays or cancellations associated with connecting flights, especially missed connections.
• Avoid busy travel periods: Try to travel during off-peak times, such as outside of major holidays and school breaks. This should reduce the likelihood that your route is on the Etihad flights delayed list.
• Check the weather in advance: Be aware of potential weather disruptions at both your departure and arrival airports, and consider adjusting your travel dates if possible.
• Review reliability: Try to avoid the frequently disrupted routes we listed above. And if you have to book one, be prepared for things not to go smoothly. 

What Can Etihad Passengers Do To Manage Interruptions Effectively?

• Look for alternative flights: If your original flight is cancelled or heavily delayed, ask the airline about alternative flights, other carriers, or nearby airports that can help you reach your destination the quickest.
• Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with passenger rights under regulations like EU261 (for European departures) and UK261 (for United Kingdom departures). This guide will help you know what you’re entitled to when you make an Etihad complaint.
• Monitor the flight status closely: Track real-time flight updates on our list regularly. Then, you can be proactive.
• Prepare a complaint: In certain cases, passengers can file a complaint for an Etihad payout. We have flight compensation experts at your disposal to assist you with this process. You can avoid the hassle and we’re more successful than passengers who file by themselves.

What if your Etihad Airways flight is cancelled on the day of departure? Getting up to €600 is possible. Check if you’re eligible now.Check Your Flight

Etihad Airways Cancelled/Delayed Flights List