*This post has been updated with a response from Etihad.

Etihad cabin crew have been asked to take leave from April 6 until May 5, according to Reuters.

An internal email shared with the crew did not offer a reason for the unexpected offer, however, the report added, the email did suggest the time was, ‘a great opportunity to take some time out or rest, relax and celebrate with family and friends. Leave slots will be available … in blocks of six, 12, or 18 days.”

Reports suggested Etihad denied asking staff to take unpaid leave, however, an Etihad spokesperson has since issued this statement:

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“Etihad Airways has asked cabin crew members to consider bringing forward paid leave from later this year to April, due to changed demand caused by the Covid-19 virus.

Global restrictions on travel and retiming of events have caused many passengers to change their travel arrangements, and the airline is among many realigning resources to accommodate these changes.

Etihad has not asked staff to take unpaid leave.” Etihad spokesperson

Etihad, along with all other UAE airlines had previously cancelled flights to China (excluding Beijing) and Iran (excluding Tehran)

UAE airlines will be feeling a slump in revenue after precautionary measure forced airlines to cancel major flight routes due to a growing Covid-19 outbreak.

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