Etihad Passengers Scammed Over Flight Refunds, Airline And Abu Dhabi Police Post Alerts

As travel plans continue to adjust across the region, due to the ongoing Iran-Israel war, airlines are reminding passengers to stay alert not only about flight schedules but also about online safety. With many travellers checking updates, rebooking flights or requesting refunds, scammers are increasingly attempting to exploit the situation. Amid this, Etihad Airways has issued a fresh public advisory warning passengers about fraudulent messages and fake online accounts impersonating the airline. The warning was shared by Etihad through its official X handle on March 11, following the identification of several scam attempts targeting guests directly.

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Etihad Flags Fake Social Media Accounts And Refund Messages

In its advisory, Etihad said it had identified multiple fake accounts posing as the airline on social media platforms. These accounts, the airline noted, have been contacting passengers directly and sharing links to fake refund forms or offering assistance related to bookings and cancellations.

Etihad made it clear that it will never ask passengers to share passwords, one‑time verification codes, payment details or any other sensitive personal information through social media messages. The airline urged travellers to ignore unsolicited messages and avoid clicking on unknown links, even if the message appears to come from an account using Etihad's branding.

The airline reiterated that its only official accounts on X are @Etihad and @EtihadHelp, and advised passengers to verify account handles carefully before responding.

Read the full post below:

Latest flight schedulehttps://t.co/L6oL4QvOpC

Guests with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible. Tickets are also available for sale on https://t.co/CWJT5GwpvU.

Traveling to the airport
Guests and members of the public should not travel to… pic.twitter.com/qtq7zU17RS

— Etihad Airways (@etihad) March 11, 2026

Advice For Passengers With Existing Bookings

Alongside the scam warning, Etihad shared guidance for passengers with upcoming travel plans. Guests have been advised not to travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking on one of the airline's operating flights.

Etihad also encouraged passengers to check their flight status on etihad.com before leaving for the airport and to ensure that contact details linked to their booking are up to date. The airline said that passengers holding Etihad tickets issued on or before 28 February 2026, with original travel dates up to 21 March 2026, may rebook free of charge on Etihad‑operated flights until 15 May 2026.

Passengers seeking refunds have been advised to use the official refund request form available on the airline's website or contact their travel agent if the booking was made through one.

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Ministry Of Interior Warns of Fraudulent ‘Emergency Registration' Emails

The airline's advisory follows a separate warning issued by the UAE Ministry of Interior on March 4, cautioning the public against fraudulent emails claiming to offer emergency registration for support, compensation or insurance coverage.

The Ministry said these emails falsely instruct recipients to fill out forms and submit personal information. It urged members of the public not to respond to such messages and not to share any personal or financial details, warning that these communications are designed to steal sensitive data.

تحذر وزارة الداخلية من رسائل احتيالية تصل عبر البريد الإلكتروني، تدعو إلى تعبئة نموذج تسجيل للطوارئ وإرسال بيانات شخصية بزعم الحصول على دعم أو تعويض أو تغطية تأمينية.

وتدعو الوزارة أفراد المجتمع إلى عدم الاستجابة لهذه الرسائل أو مشاركة أي بيانات شخصية.#وزارة_الداخلية_الإمارات… pic.twitter.com/ilzgQ8k4UP

— وزارة الداخلية (@moiuae) March 4, 2026

Abu Dhabi Police Issue Advisory On Airline‑Related Scams

Abu Dhabi Police also issued a public advisory warning residents about online scams involving impersonation of airlines and official entities. Authorities said fraudsters often take advantage of periods of travel disruption to send convincing messages offering refunds, rebooking assistance or urgent support. The police advised residents to verify sources carefully, avoid sharing personal information online and report suspicious messages through official channels. Fraud or cybercrimes can be reported via The Abu Dhabi Police App (ADP).