Effective 17 January 2021, Etihad Airways will resume passenger flights from Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, to Istanbul, Turkey. The service will operate with an initial twice weekly flight using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring Business and Economy cabins.
Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Sales and Cargo, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As Etihad gradually returns more destinations to its global network, the airline is looking forward to the resumption of scheduled services to Istanbul.
“As the network continues to be built back up, Etihad ensures a secure and hygienic flying environment across the entire guest journey. Over the last few months, the airline has seized every opportunity to improve processes, including the introduction of free PCR testing for guests departing the UAE and free COVID-19 insurance for all passengers globally.”
Flight Schedule, effective 17 January 2021 (all times local)
| Flight | Departure | Time | Arrival | Time | Aircraft | Frequency |
| EY 97 | Abu Dhabi | 10:05 | Istanbul | 14:10 | Boeing 787-9 | Friday and Sunday |
| EY 96 | Istanbul | 15:40 | Abu Dhabi | 21:15 | Boeing 787-9 |
Those wishing to book are advised to visit www.etihad.com to view their options, and to remain informed on the appropriate entry regulations at their end destination. Flights are also available for booking through the mobile app, by calling the Etihad Airways Contact Centre on +971 600 555 666 (UAE) or through a local or online travel agency. A list of other local Etihad contact centres is available at www.etihad.com/contacts.
Important note
Guests travelling on Etihad Airways flights will be required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result received within 96 hours prior to departure from Abu Dhabi, or from their departure airport if they are transferring from other cities via Abu Dhabi.
In the UAE, guests travelling to all Etihad Airways destinations can make use of a free testing service between 48 to 96 hours prior to departure with Life Medical Diagnostic Center (Life Dx). Travellers flying First or Business will also have the option of selecting tests at their home. The quick and easy process can be booked directly withLife Dx.
The return to a larger network of international flights is being greatly supported by the Etihad Wellness sanitisation and safety programme, which ensures the highest standards of hygiene are maintained at every stage of the customer journey. This includes specially trained Wellness Ambassadors, a first in the industry, who have been introduced by the airline to provide essential travel health information and care on the ground and on every flight, so guests can fly with greater ease and peace of mind. As part of the Etihad Wellness programme, all passengers travelling with Etihad receive complimentary COVID-19 insurance.
More information on the stringent measures being taken by Etihad Airways to provide a healthy and hygienic travel experience is available at www.etihad.com/wellness.
