Etihad flight delayed by 18 hours as staff reaches flying hour-limit

Passengers travelling aboard an Etihad Airways Jaipur-Abu Dhabi were delayed by nearly 18 hours on Saturday when a crew member fell sick, leading up to a further wait as the operating staff reached its maximum allowed working hours.

Etihad flight EY207, which was scheduled to depart from Jaipur at 5.50am finally took off at 11.30pm, with reportedly 200 passengers affected by the delay.

The airline confirmed the cause of the interruption with Emirates 24|7 in an emailed statement, saying: “Etihad Airways flight EY207 from Jaipur to Abu Dhabi on Saturday 30 August experienced a significant delay in its departure due to the sickness of a crew member.

“This situation resulted in the operating crew reaching its maximum allowed working hours.”

Airlines follow a strict work schedule that is in place to ensuring all crew members receive adequate rest, with the FAA calling it the ‘key to maintaining a safe aviation system’.

The airline further added in its statement: “Etihad Airways’ sole priority is the safety of its guests and the airline follows strict protocols on safe crew working hours.”

The airline also confirmed that hotel accommodation and meals were arranged for all guests by the airline’s ground staff in Jaipur during this period.

The statement continued: “The flight EY207 departed Jaipur at 23.30 local time. Etihad Airways apologises to its guests for the delay.”

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