UAE’s Etihad to Operate Beijing Flights with Temporary Stop in Xi'an

Due to the global spread of the COVID-19, the health and aviation authorities of China have issued a directive to all international airlines flying to Beijing, instructing them to land in another designated airport in China before continuing to the capital.

Effective from March 22, Etihad Airways services to Beijing will stop in the city of Xi’an, where passengers will disembark for health screening, customs clearance, and to claim their baggage. This procedure is likely to be lengthy.

Once cleared by the local authorities for entry into China, passengers will re-board and baggage will be reloaded for the short flight to Beijing.

This directive does not affect the return schedule from Beijing to Abu Dhabi.

The airline is following directives from the UAE and international government and regulatory authorities and continues to implement temporary changes to its global operations due to the current situation. This is being carried out for the safety of its customers and staff, the carrier said in a statement.