Etihad says reviewing capacity on Syria route

Etihad Airways on Monday urged all its passengers currently booked on flights to or from Damascus to contact the airline if they wanted to change their travel plans. On Sunday, the Arab League voted to impose sanctions on Syria after it refused to allow independent monitors into the country, which has been hit by conflict for several months. The sanctions include a ban on commercial flights between Syria and member states. The League said a decision on when the ban begins would be made within a week. Etihad Airways is one of four airlines flying between the UAE and Syria and operates a daily service to and from Damascus. “We are currently reviewing our capacity on the route to ensure we can help as many of our passengers as possible should they wish to amend their travel plans,” said Etihad’s CEO James Hogan. “We are closely monitoring the situation in Syria and will continue to fly to Damascus for as long as we are permitted to,” Hogan added.