Etihad Resumes US Flights; Emirates To Follow

Etihad Airways has resumed flights to the US following the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Sandy, with Emirates Airline expected to follow suit.

Abu Dhabi’s flag carrier re-commenced operations on Wednesday with flight EY101 departing the capital for New York.

Dubai’s carrier announced it planned to resume service to the affected US cities on Thursday, but two flights remained cancelled.

A statement on the Emirates.com website said: “Due to improvement of weather conditions in the eastern part of the United States, Emirates flights EK201 and EK202 to and from New York on 1st November will resume as per the schedule. Emirates flights EK203 and EK204 remain cancelled.”

Both airlines suspended flights between October 29 and November 1 as the superstorm battered the USA’s eastern seaboard. Latest figures show at least 74 people were killed and more than 5.6 million homes and businesses were left without power.

The statement on Emirates’ website added: “Emirates apologises for any inconvenience caused to its customers, however the safety of our passengers and crew is of the highest priority and will not be compromised.”