When things do not go as planned, passengers will need to cancel their booking with Etihad Airways. Although rebooking is an option, it is not always effective. As a result, cancellation is the only suitable option available. However, all cancellations are subject to the Etihad Airways cancellation policy 2026 and other applicable rules. Therefore, travelers must go through every rule before submitting a cancellation request and refund claims. Apart from this, they should collect details on the cancellation fees. By knowing all these aspects, one can easily cancel their booking and get easy refunds.

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Overview of Etihad Airways Cancellation Policy 2026
Etihad Airways allows cancellations with varying fees based on fare type. Refundable tickets offer partial refunds, while non-refundable ones may provide travel credit. A full refund is available if canceled within 24 hours of booking and 7 days before departure.
| Policy Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| 24-Hour Free Cancellation | Full refund if canceled within 24h (booking made 7+ days pre-departure) |
| Refundable Tickets | Full refund (Flex/Business/First Class fares) |
| Non-Refundable Tickets | Travel voucher (valid 12 months) OR taxes/fees refund (minus penalty) |
| Cancellation Fees | Economy: $50-$400 Business: $25-$300 (Varies by fare class/route) |
| Award Tickets | 5,000-15,000 miles redeposit fee Taxes refunded |
| Refund Timeline | Credit Cards: 7-14 days Bank Transfers: 10-20 days Vouchers: Instant |
| No-Show Policy | Full fare forfeited (except refundable tickets) |
| Flight Disruptions | Full refund/rebooking Compensation if eligible under UAE law |
Understanding the Etihad Airways 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
As per the rules of the Etihad Airways cancellation policy 24 hours, every flier will get an option to revoke their bookings within 24 hours of the reservation. Here are some basic details of this policy that passengers should know about:
- All tickets (refundable and non-refundable) can be cancelled during the risk-free period.
- No cancellation fee will be charged when cancellation is made within this grace period.
- The airline will refund the entire booking charges or fees.
- Passengers can change their booking (reschedule) for free during this period.
What is the Cancellation Policy for Etihad Airways?
When passengers miss out on the grace period, they can still cancel their booking. For such revocations, there is a specific Etihad Airways flight cancellation policy.
- This policy allows easy cancellation of the flight tickets.
- Passengers can give a valid reason, like health issues or a family emergency, to cancel their bookings.
- The airline will ask for additional documents to justify the cancellation reasons.
- Only refundable fares can claim refunds.
- Other fares may get a travel voucher, or the amount may lapse when the booking is cancelled.
- Travelers can cancel their bookings if they are made through the official platforms of Etihad Airways.
- These platforms may include the official website, call center, or sales office.
- For third-party bookings, passengers are advised to contact their respective travel agent or the platform that they have used for the booking.
- All cancellations are allowed from 24 hours after the booking to 2 hours before the scheduled time of the departure.
- Almost every fare will incur a cancellation fee if it is made after the first 24 hours of the booking.
- The cancellation fee is usually displayed on the screen when the process is initiated.
- This amount depends on the fare and route chosen.
- Fliers having special fare may not be required to pay any fee for the revocation process.
- Passengers can cancel tickets for free and get a full refund, regardless of the fare type, if the flight is cancelled by the airline or delayed for 3-4 hours or more.
When a Passenger Chooses to Cancel Etihad Flight Tickets?
Cancellation usually occurs when rebooking is not possible or the passenger is no longer willing to travel. These issues can be the following, but are not limited to these for sure:
- Serious health issues
- Medical emergency
- Death of an immediate family member
- Death of the ticketed passenger
- Cancelled meetings
Note: The flight cancellation policy of Etihad Airways applies to all these reasons. Hence, passengers should connect with the airline for detailed information when revocation is needed.
Etihad International Flight Cancellation Policy
Etihad international flights can be canceled for a full refund within 24 hours of booking. Refundable tickets allow cancellations with fees, while non-refundable ones offer limited refunds or travel credit. No-show fees apply if canceled late.
- 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: Full refund if canceled within 24 hours of booking and the flight is at least 7 days away.
- Refundable Tickets: Can be canceled up to 4 hours before departure for a refund (full or partial depending on fare type). Cancellation fees may apply.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Only taxes and certain fees are refundable. No refund on the base fare, but Etihad Credit may be offered for future travel.
- No-Show Policy: If canceled less than 4 hours before departure, a no-show fee applies and refund eligibility is lost.
- Flight Disruptions by Etihad: If Etihad cancels or significantly changes your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund or free rebooking. Additional compensation may apply under EU or other regional regulations.
- Refund Processing Time:
- Credit/debit card: within 21 days
- Other payment methods: up to 45 business days
Etihad Airways Refundable and Non-Refundable Tickets
Etihad refundable tickets allow cancellations with a refund after fees, while non-refundable tickets offer limited refunds or travel credit. Both qualify for a full refund if canceled within 24 hours of booking.
| Feature | Refundable Tickets (Flex/Business/First) | Non-Refundable Tickets (Saver/Value) |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation | Free cancellation anytime before departure | Allowed with fees ($50-$400) |
| Refund Type | Full refund to original payment method | • Travel voucher (valid 12 months) • OR taxes/fees-only refund |
| Cancellation Fee | $0-$50 (First/Business Flex) | $150-$400 (Economy) |
| 24-Hour Free Cancellation | Included (if booked 7+ days pre-departure) | Same applies |
| Name Changes | Not permitted (must cancel/rebook) | Not permitted |
| No-Show Policy | Full refund if canceled before departure | Full fare forfeited |
| Fare Examples | First Flex Business Flex Economy Flex | Economy Saver Economy Value |
| Award Tickets | 5,000 miles redeposit fee | 15,000 miles redeposit fee |
How to Cancel Etihad Airways Flight Tickets?
If the rebooking option does not work, passengers can choose to cancel their upcoming journeys with Etihad Airways. For this, the airline offers multiple easy modes. Depending on the needs, one can decide on the cancellation mode.
Cancel Etihad Airways Via the official website
- Firstly, open the official website of Etihad Airways.

- Click on the MANAGE BOOKING section given at the top of the homepage.
- Enter the booking code/number with the passenger’s last name in the designated boxes.
- Select the booking that needs to be dismissed.

- Click on the CANCEL button.
- Pay the applicable cancellation fee, if any.
- Submit the necessary documents, if required.
- Once the process is done, a confirmation email will be sent to the registered email address.
Etihad Airways Cancel Ticket Via Live Chat
- Passengers can choose the live chat option for cancellation.
- Connect with the Etihad Airways executive.
- Share the issues with the cancellation reason.
- Give them the booking and related details for verification.
- Pay the applicable cancellation charges.
- After the successful cancellation, a confirmation email will be shared by the airline.
IMPORTANT: Assistance for ticket cancellation is also available through the WhatsApp chat. One can talk to the Etihad agent via +971 56 688 9003 on WhatsApp.
Etihad Airways Cancellation Via Phone Calls
- Etihad offers cancellation support via a phone call.
- Find the country-specific number of the HELP page.
- For example, +19143038393 is the number for passengers calling from the United States.
- Call and follow IVR prompts to talk to the Etihad executive.
- They will ask for the booking details, like the passenger’s name and booking number.
- Share the details along with the situation that led to the cancellation.
- Submit the necessary documents, if asked.
- Pay the cancellation fee to complete the cancellation process.
- As per the Etihad Airways cancel policy, passengers will receive a confirmation email.
Etihad Airways Ticket Cancel At the Airport/Ticketing Office
- Cancellation support is also available at the nearest airport or ticketing office.
- Find the help desk of Etihad Airways.
- Get in touch with an executive.
- Request them to revoke the booking.
- Do not forget to carry the necessary documents, such as medical certificates, etc., to support the cancellation reason.
- Share the booking code and passenger number for further verification.
- After paying the cancellation fee, the executive will initiate the process.
- They will also send a confirmation email once the process is completed.
What is the Etihad Airways Flight Cancelled Policy?
Sometimes flights are revoked by Etihad Airways. This can happen due to different reasons. Some common issues generally include the following:
- Adverse weather conditions for flying
- Natural disasters
- Mechanical or technical glitches
- Shortage of cabin crew and other staff
- Government policies
- Travel restrictions
- Wars, strikes, etc.
In such a scenario, the airline usually tries its best to provide the passengers with the finest options. When such issues occur, Etihad Airlines does the following:
- All passengers will be offered automatic rebooking on the next available flight.
- Etihad does not charge anything for this.
- When the alternative flight is several hours away, the airline will also offer a complimentary stay and other facilities.
- Passengers can either modify or cancel the alternative booking if it is not suitable or if they are no longer willing to travel.
- Upon cancellations, passengers can claim a full refund.
- Besides, they can rebook according to their precise travel needs.
- Depending on the travel destination and cabin class chosen, passengers will need to pay the fare difference and other applicable charges.
A Quick Overview of the Return Policy of Etihad Airways
After knowing the cancellation policy Etihad Airways, passengers should also learn about the refund policy. This will help them get their money back spent on the ticket purchase without losing a large amount as a fee. Here are some more important points that will help fliers understand the refund policy:
- For refundable tickets and cancellations made within 24 hours of the booking, refunds will automatically be credited to the account of the passengers (or in the original form of the payment).
- When the grace period is over or the ticket is not eligible for a full refund, the airline will deduct the cancellation fee and refund the rest of the amount in the form of travel credits.
- Passengers can use their travel credits with Etihad Airways for future bookings.
- One can request a refund online as well as offline.
- Etihad Airways may take up to 21 working days to refund the amount for the payments made through debit and credit cards.
- For other payment modes, the airline may take up to 45 days after the submission of the request to refund the amount.
How to Check the Eligibility for an Etihad Airways Ticket for Refunds?
Before claiming a refund, passengers are advised to check the eligibility of their Etihad Airways tickets. For this, they can do the following:
- Go to the Etihad Airways website.
- Find the MANAGE BOOKING option and click on REFUND.
- One can also click on the https://www.etihad.com/en/manage/refund to check the eligibility.
- Now, enter the TICKET NUMBER/BOOKING REFERENCE with the LAST NAME of the passenger.

- Upon this, fliers can check if they are eligible for refunds or not.
- Keep in mind that full refunds will be offered for all tickets when revocation is done within 24 hours of the booking.
- The refund amount after the applicable cancellation charges and fee mainly depends on the fare type chosen.
How to Request Refunds for Etihad Airways Tickets?
As per the latest cancellation policy for Etihad Airways, passengers can revoke their bookings up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the flight. If they fail to do so, it will be considered a no-show. Talking about the refund methods, one can do it through the following:
- Online requests: This is the quickest method to request refunds. For this, passengers can go to the official website of Etihad and click on the MANAGE BOOKING. Afterwards, they will need to enter their flight details and select the CANCEL/REFUND option to initiate the same.
- Via phone calls/live chat: The airline has country-specific contact numbers to address and resolve refund and related concerns. Besides, Etihad has a LIVE CHAT option wherein passengers can connect with an expert to initiate the refunds. Keep in mind that service charges may be applied.
- Get in touch with the travel agent: When tickets are booked through a third-party booking platform or a travel agent, travelers are advised to connect with them for refunds.
What is the Etihad Airways No-Show Policy?
Sometimes passengers neither board the flight nor cancel their bookings. This scenario is considered a no-show policy. In this case, the airline will consider it a no-show. Unfortunately, no refund is released, and the entire ticket value will lapse. To prevent the losses, one should know the following:
- Tickets should be cancelled or changed at least 4 hours before the departure time of the Etihad flight.
- Any cancellation or change within 4 hours of the departure will incur a fee or penalty.
- To save on the ticket value, passengers are advised to cancel the booking within the given duration.
- The no-fee penalties or fees depend on the specific fare rules of the GDS.
What Does Etihad Airways do if the Flight is Cancelled and Changed?
Whenever a flight is cancelled or changed by Etihad Airways (though it is quite a rare scenario), they will inform the passengers regarding the same in advance. The notification is sent via email to the passenger’s registered email ID. Since Etihad understands the inconvenience, they will do the following as per the Etihad Airways cancel flight policy:
Rebooking of the flight, if
- The departure time of the current flight has been changed by 30 minutes or more.
- The flight’s arrival is delayed for at least 1 hour.
- The passenger misses a connecting flight.
- The cabin class is downgraded.
Options will be emailed so that,
- Passengers can accept the flight change.
- Choose and book a new Etihad flight.
- Cancel the alternate booking and claim a refund
Selecting a new flight, if
- Fliers do not like the schedule of the new booking.
- They want to travel within 7 days of the actual departure schedule.
- They rebook the flight within 60 days of the change or cancel notification sent.
Check Here: Qatar Airways Cancellation Policy
Closing Remarks,
When a passenger wants to have a stress-free trip, they should know what is Etihad Airways cancellation policy 2026, refund policy, no-show rules, and other relevant aspects are. To ease the process, one can cancel their booking online. This is the fastest, easiest, and most convenient method. Besides, offline modes are also available. Irrespective of the mode chosen, fliers are advised to know the applicable charges and methods to save on the revocation penalties.
FAQs on Etihad Airways Cancellation Policy 2026
What is the Etihad Airways cancellation policy 2026?
Etihad allows cancellations for all tickets, but refundability depends on your fare type. Refundable tickets (Flex fares) get full refunds; non-refundable tickets (Saver/Value) receive travel credit (valid 12 months).
Does Etihad offer 24-hour free cancellation?
Yes! Cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if your flight departs in 7+ days. Applies to all fare types.
Can I cancel a non-refundable Etihad ticket?
Yes, but you’ll receive:
Travel voucher (valid 1 year)
OR partial refund of taxes/fees (minus penalty).
Are Etihad Guest award tickets refundable?
Yes, but with a 5,000–15,000 mile redeposit fee. Taxes/fees are refunded.
Can I change the name on my ticket?
No—you must cancel and rebook (name changes are not permitted).
Can I cancel my Etihad Airways flight and get a refund?
Yes, but your eligibility depends on your fare type. Refundable tickets allow partial refunds after fees, while non-refundable tickets may only refund taxes or offer Etihad Credit.
What happens if Etihad cancels my flight?
You’ll be offered a full refund, free rebooking, or alternative flight options. Compensation may apply depending on the situation.
Can I get a refund if I miss my flight (no-show)?
No-show fees apply, and refunds are generally not available unless you cancel at least 4 hours before departure.
How long does it take to receive a refund from Etihad?
Refunds to credit/debit cards take up to 21 days; other payment methods may take up to 45 business days.
Can I get a refund for extras like seats or baggage?
Yes, in some cases. If you paid for a specific seat and Etihad can’t honor it, you may be eligible for a refund.
What is Etihad Credit and how does it work?
Instead of a refund, you can choose Etihad Credit—usable for future flights or extras with the airline.
Can I cancel a flight booked through a travel agent?
Yes, but you must contact the travel agent directly to process the cancellation and refund.
Are cancellation policies different for international flights?
Yes. International flights often have higher cancellation fees and stricter timelines. Refundable fares offer more flexibility.
