Etihad restores flights following disruptions by bad weather

DUBAI: Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has said its operations are restored following a major disruptions caused by severe weather over the previous two days and hoped that flights will now operate normally.

"It is expected that more than 95 per cent of passengers delayed by the severe fog, which caused the closure of Abu Dhabi International Airport, will have departed Abu Dhabi by tomorrow morning," a statement from the airline said.

It is also operating four additional relief flights to assist passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted.

Passengers have been cooperative and agreed to take free flights offered by the airline.

"We mobilised more than 500 additional staff at the airport and city locations over the weekend, to assist passengers stuck due to fog," it said.

"The departure of passengers to their onward destinations was a priority over the weekend, it has acknowledged customer concerns and has committed to a review its procedures as soon as feasible," it said.

Abu Dhabi International Airport had to suspend operations for a period on 3 January 2015, as visibility fell below General Civil Aviation Authority-mandated safety limits.