Target: Etihad Airways Research cutoff: 22 October 2026 Geographic scope: Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory, the United Arab Emirates, and relevant international corporate relationships.
Corporate Communications & Public Stance
Normalisation and diplomatic relations
On 19 October 2020, Etihad Airways announced the first commercial passenger flight by a Gulf Cooperation Council airline to Israel, organised with Maman Group, to transport Israeli travel and tourism representatives between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi following the September 2020 Abraham Accords. 1
Etihad’s then-chairman Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei described the flight as an opportunity to develop partnerships between the UAE and Israel, particularly in trade and tourism; the airline also launched a Hebrew-language website targeting Israeli customers. 1
On 16 November 2020, Etihad announced plans for year-round scheduled services between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv, explicitly linking the initiative to the normalisation of diplomatic relations and the Abraham Accords. 2
Mohammad Al Bulooki, then chief operating officer of Etihad Aviation Group, stated that the new route would develop bilateral trade and tourism opportunities and connect Israel with the airline’s wider international network. 2
Executive communications and political context
On 6 April 2021, Etihad’s then-CEO Tony Douglas publicly celebrated the airline’s first scheduled Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv flight and linked it to the diplomatic and commercial opportunities created by the Abraham Accords. 3
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs separately described the inaugural service as part of the growth of diplomatic, economic, political, and cultural cooperation between the UAE and Israel. 4
Commercial framing
Etihad’s 1 July 2021 announcement presented cooperation with EL AL Israel Airlines as a passenger connectivity, loyalty, and network-expansion arrangement, with further potential cooperation in cargo, maintenance, and training. 5
In October 2023, Etihad’s public responses to the Israel-Gaza conflict focused on operational disruption, coordination with authorities, and the safety of passengers and crew. 6
Comparative public posture
No public evidence identified establishing a sufficiently complete comparison of Etihad Airways’ own corporate statements on Ukraine, Black Lives Matter, or other international crises against its public commentary on Palestinian civilian harm.
Post-2024 communications
An April 2026 report quoted Etihad’s Israeli representative describing the resumed Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv service as reflecting a continuing commitment to the Israeli market. 7
No public evidence identified of a standalone Etihad Airways corporate political declaration endorsing Israeli military operations in Gaza or the occupation of Palestinian territories.
Operations in Occupied or Contested Territories
Territorial presence
Etihad inaugurated scheduled flights between Abu Dhabi and Israel’s Ben Gurion International Airport on 6 April 2021, carrying UAE and Israeli diplomatic representatives and an economic delegation. 3, 4
The Israel Airports Authority’s 2025 annual report recorded 375,598 passengers travelling through Ben Gurion Airport on Etihad services, compared with 100,695 in 2024, representing 2.03% of the airport’s international passenger traffic in 2025. 8
On 5 October 2026, The National reported that Etihad was operating six daily direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv. 9
No public evidence identified of Etihad operating a scheduled passenger route, corporate branch, airport facility, or independently verified transport service inside an Israeli settlement in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Israeli representation
Maman Aviation, part of the Israeli Maman Group, identifies Etihad Airways among the international airlines for which it provides sales and representation services in Israel. 10
Maman Aviation’s corporate website identifies Assaf Tzur as managing the Etihad Airways client portfolio, with responsibilities including group sales and airline revenue management. 11
In April 2026, Israeli aviation-industry reporting identified Ran Pollak as Etihad Airways’ station manager in Israel and described the resumption of twice-daily Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv services on 15 April 2026. 7
No public evidence identified connecting Etihad’s Maman representation arrangement to a specific Israeli settlement branch, military procurement contract, or settlement transport service.
Cargo operations
The Israel Airports Authority recorded 1,286 tonnes of inbound cargo and 543 tonnes of outbound cargo carried on Etihad passenger aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport in 2025, totalling 1,829 tonnes, compared with 686 tonnes in 2024. 8
The published airport statistics identify airline traffic and cargo quantities but do not classify Etihad’s individual customers, cargo contents, consignees, or end users. 8
No public evidence identified establishing that these shipments contained military equipment or were transported for the IDF or Israeli Ministry of Defence.
Operations during active conflict
Etihad cancelled selected Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv services on 8–10 October 2023 following the outbreak of hostilities, citing passenger and crew safety. 6
On 11 October 2023, Etihad told ARN News that it intended to resume passenger and cargo operations to Tel Aviv while monitoring security developments and maintaining contact with relevant authorities. 12
Etihad resumed Abu Dhabi–Tel Aviv services in April 2026 after another interruption, according to contemporary Israeli aviation reporting. 7
Etihad’s substantial 2025 passenger and cargo activity establishes continued Israeli commercial operations after the ICJ advisory opinion of 19 July 2024 and the ICC arrest warrants issued in November 2024, although the airport statistics do not establish the identity or purpose of individual passengers or shipments. 8
Regulatory and international scrutiny
No public evidence identified of an Etihad Airways-specific listing in the UN OHCHR database of companies involved in Israeli settlement-related activities.
No public evidence identified establishing that Etihad Airways or its controlling principals were specifically named in UN report A/HRC/59/23 in connection with settlement enterprise activity, political financing, or military assistance.
No public evidence identified of a company-specific settlement-related court judgment, OECD National Contact Point finding, or government sanction against Etihad Airways.
Civil society and boycott campaigns
A Change.org petition published in 2020 called for a boycott of UAE businesses and expressly included Etihad Airways, citing the UAE’s decision to normalise diplomatic relations with Israel and the petition author’s opposition to that policy. 13
A separate Change.org petition created on 25 February 2026 explicitly called for a boycott of Emirates and Etihad Airways, citing the organiser’s allegations concerning UAE cooperation with Israel and the treatment of Palestinians. 14
The BDS Movement’s public campaign directory identifies various official and grassroots boycott targets, but the reviewed directory did not establish an Etihad-specific campaign organised by the central BDS Movement. 15
No public evidence identified of a formal Etihad response specifically addressing either of the two independently organised boycott petitions.
Internal Governance, Content & Retail Policies
Employee relations
Etihad’s published leadership information identifies Dr Nadia Bastaki as Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer, appointed to that role in June 2025 after holding related executive responsibilities since November 2021. 16
No public evidence identified of Etihad dismissing, disciplining, or otherwise sanctioning employees specifically for expressing support for Palestine, displaying Palestinian political symbols, criticising Israeli military actions, or participating in Palestine-related union activity.
No public evidence identified of litigation initiated by Etihad against a labour organisation for Palestine-related speech or activity.
Platform and editorial policy
Etihad launched a dedicated Hebrew-language website for Israeli customers in October 2020, providing travel, destination, and commercial service information. 1
No public evidence identified of asymmetric content moderation, algorithmic suppression of Palestinian content, removal of Gaza-related material, or a regulatory investigation concerning Etihad’s handling of Israel-Palestine political expression on its digital platforms.
Retail and supply chain practices
Etihad’s July 2021 EL AL partnership established commercial arrangements involving codesharing and reciprocal loyalty benefits, with additional cargo and engineering cooperation under discussion. 5
No public evidence identified of Etihad labelling settlement-manufactured products as Israeli, operating settlement retail outlets, or facing regulatory enforcement concerning settlement-origin product sourcing.
No public evidence identified of a disclosed Etihad policy specifically addressing the sourcing or transportation of goods originating in Israeli settlements.
Brand Heritage & State Partnerships
Brand heritage and state identity
Etihad Airways was established by an Abu Dhabi royal decree in July 2003 and operates as the UAE’s national airline, with its commercial hub in Abu Dhabi. 17
The official Abu Dhabi tourism website describes Etihad’s original mandate as operating safely, commercially, and profitably. 17
No public evidence identified of Etihad presenting itself commercially as an Israeli military, defence, or security institution.
Institutional partnerships
Etihad’s October 2020 commercial delegation flight was explicitly associated with the Abraham Accords and involved Israeli tourism-industry representatives travelling to Abu Dhabi. 1
Etihad’s first scheduled flight to Tel Aviv on 6 April 2021 carried the UAE’s first ambassador to Israel, Mohamed Mahmoud Al Khaja, Israel’s diplomatic representative Eitan Nae’eh, and then-CEO Tony Douglas. 4
The April 2021 inauguration included engagement with Israeli aviation and tourism authorities and represented a formal commercial and diplomatic milestone in UAE–Israel relations. 3, 4
Contemporaneous reporting documented Etihad representatives attending a launch-related event in Tel Aviv with senior Israeli officials, including representatives of Israel’s foreign affairs, tourism, and cultural institutions. 18
Israel-focused market promotion
Etihad’s 2020 Hebrew-language website launch and its subsequent partnership with EL AL formed part of its publicly announced strategy to market travel, tourism, and connectivity between Israel and the UAE. 1, 5
The airline’s Israeli general sales agency relationship continued to be represented in Maman Aviation’s public corporate materials reviewed in October 2026. 10, 11
No public evidence identified of Etihad sponsoring a specific Israeli settlement event, Israeli military public-relations initiative, or Israeli government advocacy campaign concerning Palestinian territorial rights.
State honours
No public evidence identified of an Etihad Airways executive receiving an Israeli state honour specifically for political advocacy relating to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Lobbying, Advocacy, Financing & Logistics
Political lobbying and advocacy
Etihad’s October and November 2020 announcements publicly promoted the commercial opportunities arising from diplomatic normalisation between the UAE and Israel. 1, 2
No public evidence identified of Etihad undertaking a documented lobbying campaign concerning Israeli military assistance, anti-BDS legislation, recognition of settlements, or the legal status of occupied Palestinian territory.
No public evidence identified of an Etihad corporate PAC donation, AIPAC contribution, or disclosed political payment specifically supporting an Israeli military or settlement-related policy.
Financial contributions
No public evidence identified of Etihad Airways donating corporate funds to the IDF, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, JNF/KKL, Israeli reservist support funds, military-welfare organisations, or Israeli settlement organisations.
No public evidence identified establishing an Etihad corporate matching-gift programme that includes Israeli military or settlement organisations.
No public evidence identified of Etihad financing a specific Israeli military operation or settlement infrastructure project.
Commercial financing and logistics
Etihad and EL AL announced a codeshare and reciprocal frequent-flyer partnership on 1 July 2021, implementing parts of their November 2020 memorandum of understanding. 5
The agreement provided for EL AL to market Etihad flights under its own airline code and contemplated the reciprocal marketing of EL AL-operated services by Etihad, subject to applicable approvals. 5
The partnership also identified cargo, engineering, maintenance, and training as areas for exploration; the original announcement did not establish that every proposed workstream had already become operational. 19
The Israel Airports Authority’s 2025 report independently documents passenger and cargo activity by Etihad at Ben Gurion Airport after November 2024. 8
No public evidence identified establishing that Etihad’s commercial cargo or codeshare arrangements supplied military assets, ammunition, intelligence equipment, or other dedicated operational support to Israeli armed forces.
Humanitarian asset mobilisation
On 19 May 2020, Etihad operated a cargo flight from Abu Dhabi to Ben Gurion Airport carrying medical supplies intended for Palestinians during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to contemporaneous reporting citing the airline. 20
The contemporary report identified the cargo as humanitarian medical supplies and distinguished the airline’s transport role from questions concerning the shipment’s distribution and political handling. 20
No public evidence identified establishing that Etihad independently financed the medical supplies or exercised control over their final distribution.
No public evidence identified of Etihad providing free flights, dedicated aircraft, or donated cargo services to the IDF or Israeli military-welfare organisations during the Gaza conflict.
Constructive-notice chronology
The Israel Airports Authority’s recorded Etihad activity in 2025 and independent reporting of continued operations in October 2026 establish Israeli commercial activity after the international legal developments of July and November 2024. 8, 9
These records identify continued commercial aviation services but do not establish the purpose of particular cargo shipments or the existence of a military-related contract. 8
Corporate Structure & Primary Mission
Foundational mandate
Etihad Airways was established by royal decree in July 2003 as the national airline of the UAE, with the stated commercial mandate to operate safely and profitably. 17
The UK Companies House register identifies Etihad Airways as an active overseas company incorporated in the UAE, with registration number 54319 and business objects covering aircraft acquisition, charter, operation, and maintenance. 21
Ownership
On 18 October 2022, Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs transferred full ownership of Etihad Aviation Group to ADQ, an Abu Dhabi government investment and holding company. 22
The official announcement described the transfer as part of developing Abu Dhabi’s aviation hub and integrating aviation-related commercial services. 22
On 30 January 2026, Abu Dhabi announced the consolidation of ADQ’s assets and investments with those of L’IMAD Holding under L’IMAD, as part of a wider sovereign investment restructuring. 23
Accordingly, Etihad forms part of an Abu Dhabi sovereign-controlled corporate structure, although the publicly reviewed announcements do not establish that every political action or investment made elsewhere within the sovereign portfolio is attributable to Etihad Airways. 22, 23
Primary corporate mission
Etihad’s stated founding mandate concerns commercial aviation, while its subsequent UAE–Israel operations have been promoted as trade, tourism, passenger connectivity, and economic cooperation. 17, 2
No public evidence identified of an Etihad corporate charter provision explicitly requiring the company to advance Israeli settlement activity, Israeli military objectives, or political advocacy concerning Palestinian territory.
Group and affiliated-company attribution
Etihad’s commercial relationship with EL AL was documented through an inter-airline memorandum of understanding and subsequent codeshare agreement, without evidence of an ownership relationship between the airlines. 19, 5
Maman Aviation identifies Etihad as an airline client for representation services in Israel, without establishing that Etihad owns or controls Maman Group. 10
No public evidence identified establishing that military, settlement, or political activities of an independently owned commercial partner were directed or financed by Etihad Airways.
Executive & Leadership Footprint
Current leadership
Etihad’s published leadership page identifies Mohamed Ali Mohamed Al Shorafa Al Hammadi as chairman and Mansour Mohamed Abdulqader Mohamed Al Mulla as vice chairman. 16
The same source identifies Antonoaldo Neves as Group Chief Executive Officer, appointed in October 2022, and lists Captain Mohamed Jumaa Rashed Saeed Al Shamisi, Farah Abdulla Mohamed Ali Al Mazrui, Jasim Husain Ahmed Thabet, Khalifa Sultan Alsuwaidi, Hamda Eid AlMheiri, Jaan Ulrich Albrecht Binderberger, and Jacob Barend Kalkman among its board members. 16
Historical leadership statements
In October 2020, then-chairman Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei publicly supported the development of UAE–Israel commercial partnerships and described the inaugural passenger flight as an opportunity for economic cooperation. 1
In April 2021, then-CEO Tony Douglas participated in Etihad’s inaugural scheduled flight to Israel alongside UAE and Israeli diplomatic representatives and publicly welcomed the commercial connections made possible by the Abraham Accords. 3, 4
In July 2021, Douglas publicly welcomed the codeshare and loyalty partnership with EL AL, describing the arrangement in terms of increased passenger choice and connectivity. 5
Personal philanthropy and financing
No public evidence identified of current or former Etihad executives making verified personal donations to the IDF, FIDF, JNF/KKL, Israeli reservist funds, settlement organisations, or military-welfare bodies.
No public evidence identified of a named Etihad executive-controlled foundation financing Israeli settlement activity or military operations.
Political advocacy and public statements
The 2020–2021 remarks by Al Mazrouei and Douglas were made in their official corporate capacities and explicitly supported commercial cooperation between Israel and the UAE following diplomatic normalisation. 1, 3, 5
No public evidence identified of a current Etihad executive publicly endorsing Israeli military operations against Palestinians, personally campaigning against Palestinian statehood, or making a verified declaration supporting Israeli settlement expansion.
Board memberships and affiliations
No public evidence identified of an Etihad director holding a verified governing position in AIPAC, FIDF, JNF/KKL, Regavim, Im Tirtzu, or a comparable Israeli settlement or military-support organisation.
No public evidence identified of an Etihad director participating in a documented political fundraising event specifically supporting Israeli military operations or settlement expansion.
Post-November 2024 leadership conduct
The company’s 2025 airport activity and October 2026 route operations establish continued commercial engagement with Israel during the tenure of the current leadership. 8, 9, 16
No public evidence identified establishing that any named current executive personally authorised Israeli military financing, settlement sponsorship, or political suppression of pro-Palestinian employees.
Footnotes
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Etihad Airways, “Etihad makes history with the first commercial passenger flight from a GCC nation to Israel”, 19 October 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20260521173325/https://www.etihad.com/en-fr/news/etihad-makes-history-with-the-first-commercial-passenger-flight-from-a-gcc-nation-to-israel (archived copy of www.etihad.com/en-fr/news/etihad-makes-history-with-the-first-commercial-passenger-flight-from-a-gcc-nation-to-israel, Wayback 2026-05-21; live page unreachable from the verifier) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
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Etihad Airways, “Etihad Airways announces new route to Israel”, 16 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20260510090417/https://www.etihad.com/en-ae/news/etihad-airways-announces-new-route-to-israel (archived copy of www.etihad.com/en-ae/news/etihad-airways-announces-new-route-to-israel, Wayback 2026-05-10; live page unreachable from the verifier) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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Etihad Airways, “Etihad Airways first scheduled flight from Abu Dhabi lands in Israel”, 6 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20260614074802/https://www.etihad.com/en-us/news/etihad-airways-first-scheduled-flight-from-abu-dhabi-lands-in-israel (archived copy of www.etihad.com/en-us/news/etihad-airways-first-scheduled-flight-from-abu-dhabi-lands-in-israel, Wayback 2026-06-14; live page unreachable from the verifier) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
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UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “UAE Ambassador to Israel Arrives on Inaugural Etihad Flight to Tel Aviv”, 6 April 2021. https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2021/4/6/06-04-2021-uae-israel ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
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Etihad Airways, “Etihad Airways and EL AL launch strategic cooperation”, 1 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20260122080035/https://www.etihad.com/en-ae/news/etihad-airways-and-el-al-launch-strategic-cooperation (archived copy of www.etihad.com/en-ae/news/etihad-airways-and-el-al-launch-strategic-cooperation, Wayback 2026-01-22; live page unreachable from the verifier) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
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Khaleej Times, “Israel-Palestine conflict: Multiple UAE flights cancelled amid escalating tensions”, 7–10 October 2023. https://www.khaleejtimes.com/business/aviation/israel-palestine-conflict-are-uae-flights-affected-amid-escalation-of-violence ↩ ↩2
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Ynetnews, “Etihad Airways returns to Israel and offers short connections to the US”, 15 April 2026. https://www.ynetnews.com/travel/article/bkgleqt2zg ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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Israel Airports Authority, Ben Gurion International Airport Annual Report 2025, airline passenger statistics and passenger-aircraft cargo statistics, published 2026. https://www.iaa.gov.il/media/adbcefcf/%D7%93%D7%95%D7%97-%D7%A9%D7%A0%D7%AA%D7%99-2025-%D7%90%D7%A0%D7%92%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%92%D7%A9.pdf ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
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The National, “Can you still fly from the UAE to Israel? Which airlines are operating”, 5 October 2026. https://www.thenationalnews.com/travel/2026/10/06/flydubai-etihad-uae-israel-flights-dubai-tel-aviv/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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Maman Group, “Maman Aviation”, corporate company profile, accessed October 2026. https://en.maman-group.co.il/companies/maman-aviation/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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Maman Aviation, corporate website, company and staff profiles, accessed October 2026. https://mamanaviation.co.il/ ↩ ↩2
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ARN News Centre, “Etihad to resume flights to Israel on Wednesday”, 11 October 2023. https://www.arnnewscentre.ae/en/news/uae/etihad-to-resume-flights-to-israel-on-wednesday/ ↩
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Change.org, “Boycott UAE/Emirates”, petition created during the 2020 UAE–Israel normalisation period. https://www.change.org/p/human-rights-activists-boycott-uae-emirates ↩
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Change.org, “Boycott Emirates Airlines & Etihad Airways!!”, petition created 25 February 2026. https://www.change.org/p/boycott-emirates-airlines-etihad-airways ↩
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BDS Movement, “Campaigns”, public campaign directory, accessed October 2026. https://bdsmovement.net/campaigns ↩
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Etihad Airways, “Our leadership”, current board and executive biographies, accessed October 2026. https://web.archive.org/web/20260713181611/https://www.etihad.com/en-au/about-us/leadership (archived copy of www.etihad.com/en-au/about-us/leadership, Wayback 2026-07-13; live page unreachable from the verifier) ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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Experience Abu Dhabi, “Etihad Airways – The UAE’s National Airline”, official destination information, accessed October 2026. https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/travelling-to-abu-dhabi/etihad-airways-our-national-airline ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4
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The Jerusalem Post, “Etihad Airways inaugurates flight service between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv”, 20 April 2021. https://www.jpost.com/must/must-welcome-664379 ↩
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Etihad Airways, “EL AL Israel Airlines and Etihad Airways to explore greater cooperation following MOU signing”, 19 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20260616113802/https://www.etihad.com/en-au/news/el-al-israel-airlines-and-etihad-airways-to-explore-greater-cooperation-following-mou-signing (archived copy of www.etihad.com/en-au/news/el-al-israel-airlines-and-etihad-airways-to-explore-greater-cooperation-following-mou-signing, Wayback 2026-06-16; live page unreachable from the verifier) ↩ ↩2
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Al Jazeera, “UAE’s Etihad makes first known flight to Israel”, 19 May 2020. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/5/19/uaes-etihad-makes-first-known-flight-to-israel ↩ ↩2
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UK Companies House, “ETIHAD AIRWAYS”, overseas-company register, company FC025070, accessed October 2026. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/FC025070 ↩
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Abu Dhabi Media Office, “Etihad Aviation Group Transferred to ADQ’s Portfolio”, 18 October 2022. https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/economy/abu-dhabi-supreme-council-for-financial-and-economic-affairs-issues-a-decision-to-transfer-etihad-aviation-group-to-adq/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3
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Abu Dhabi Media Office, “Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs Issues Resolution to Consolidate the Assets and Investments of L’IMAD Holding and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Group”, 30 January 2026. https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/economy/supreme-council-for-financial-and-economic-affairs-issues-resolution-to-consolidate-the-assets-and-investments-of-limad-holding-and-abu-dhabi-developmental-holding-group/ ↩ ↩2