Airline Evaluation Penned by Dave Poler: Etihad Airways
In a review published on July 17, 2025, Dave Poler shares his experience with Etihad Airways during a regional conflict in 2025.
Dave had planned a trip, but his flight between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Tel Aviv (TLV) was cancelled due to security concerns. Despite the cancellation, Etihad Airways refused to issue a refund or offer a credit to Dave, a decision that left him feeling disappointed.
However, Etihad Airways did respond to the flight cancellations by suspending all flights between AUH and TLV until at least 15 July 2025. The airline has been assisting affected passengers with rebooking, refunds, or alternate travel arrangements. They encourage travelers to check flight status on their website or app, maintain updated contact details for notifications, and contact customer support if needed.
In addition to the AUH-TLV suspension, other flights faced delays or cancellations around this period, reflecting broader operational challenges linked to the regional instability. Passengers impacted by cancellations or delays are eligible for claims and compensation in line with Etihad’s policies and relevant aviation regulations.
Dave also expressed concern about Etihad's operation of flights through a region where airspace was closed due to escalating conflicts, questioning their prioritization of passenger safety. This incident, he believes, showcases a lack of understanding towards the gravity of the situation.
Dave, along with his family, decided to cancel a flight where his daughter was scheduled to fly through Abu Dhabi during the conflict, opting for a safer alternative instead.
It's important to note that this review does not discuss any improvements or changes made by Etihad Airways since the incident. The review does not provide any feedback on the airline's customer service outside of this specific situation, nor does it review meals, beverages, or in-flight entertainment options.
Overall, Dave's review underscores a need for airlines to prioritize passenger safety and show understanding during times of crisis. As a result, Dave announced he will not be booking with Etihad Airways again.
Despite the cancellation of his flight due to war-and-conflicts, Etihad Airways refused to issue a refund or offer a credit to Dave, leading him to announce he will not be booking with them again. The operational challenges caused by the regional instability also resulted in delays and cancellations for other flights, underlining the need for airlines to prioritize general-news and politics regarding travel safety.
