Coronavirus: Etihad staff not asked to go on unpaid leave

Dubai - Earlier, Dubai-based Emirates proposed leaves to its staff as well.

Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways has denied sending an email to its staff, asking them to go on leave as the Covid-19 coronavirus cases continue to surge around the world.

Instead, it has asked staff to bring forward their paid leaves to April, the airline confirmed to Khaleej Times, stressing that staff has not been asked to go on unpaid leave.

"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," the airline told Khaleej Times.

"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."
Emirates asks staff to go on leave

Etihad has canceled most flights to mainland China because of the virus, and airlines around the world have warned of the toll it is having on operations.

News agency Reuters earlier cited an internal email the airline sent to its staff, and reported that the carrier had cabin crew to take paid leave between April 6 and May 5. The email did not mention the virus, the report added, and also didn't mention a reason for the proposal.

"This is 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," Reuters cites the email as saying.

Priority will be given to those who submit longer date requests, the mail adds.

• Abu Dhabi