We are proud to share that we've been accredited by the Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA), the Golden Standard for Healthcare Facilities. This achievement highlights our commitment to ensuring your safety, comfort, and well-being every time you fly with us.
Whatever support you need, we’re here to help. Our priority is that you fly comfortably and safely.
If you require assistance, we recommend letting us know at least 48 hours before your flight. That way, we can make sure everything is in place for a smooth journey.
Read our guidelines to understand how we determine if you’re medically fit to fly. If you need to apply for medical clearance, please complete a MEDIF form
If you require a wheelchair, please request one at least 48 hours before your flight. We may not be able to provide you with a wheelchair otherwise, and your travel plans may be disrupted.
You’ll need medical clearance to fly if you:
*Only dry cell battery operated devices are accepted on board. Please ensure they have sufficient charge to last one and a half times the duration of your flight.
If you have any doubt, always consult your doctor before flying.
If you need medical clearance to fly, make sure to submit your MEDIF form (Medical Information for Fitness to Travel) and most recent medical report at least 72 hours before your flight. The medical report must be in English and issued no more than 14 days before the date of travel. If approved, you’ll be issued with a certificate from the Etihad Airways Medical Centre (EAMC) which states that you are fit to fly. Keep this with you at all times during your flight.
Book our fast-track, pre-flight assessment for clearance to fly within one working day.
Our doctor will complete all medical forms and assessments on site to determine whether you’re fit to fly on the same day.
It cost AED1500 per visit in Abu Dhabi or AED2000 per visit in Al Ain, Dubai and locations outside of Abu Dhabi.
To book, all +971 600 555666 or email contactcentre@etihad.ae.
Get in touch to let us know what you need or request assistance when you book your flight.
Please let us know before your flight to make sure we have everything in place to make your journey as comfortable as possible. To request a special meal or arrange a wheelchair, please visit etihad.com/manage. To book our onboard nurse service, please send an email to contactcentre@etihad.ae.
Flying with a partner airline? Services differ from one airline to another. Please contact the operating airline for all assistance enquiries.
If you’re travelling with a medical condition, we’ll do everything we can to make your journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we advise that you see your doctor before you fly.
Always make sure that you have valid and health insurance for your trip.
Nurse on board
Fly with peace of mind thanks to our onboard nurse service. Our fully-trained nurse will be on hand throughout the entire journey; they’ll ensure that all medical forms and documents are in place, assist with boarding and offer medical assistance during the flight
To book, call +971 600 555 666 or complete a MEDIF form.
Medication
Always carry medication in your cabin baggage with a prescription or letter from your doctor. Regulations will vary depending on the country that you are visiting so always familiarise yourself with what medication you can or cannot take with you on your trip. Medication cannot be refrigerated onboard. Guests who have to administer injections onboard are urged to dispose of needles and syringes responsibly by informing a cabin crew member.
Allergies and anaphylaxis
We cannot guarantee a cabin environment or food that will be free of specific allergens. If you have any dietary requirements, please request a meal before you fly.
If you are at risk of anaphylaxis due to allergens, you must:
Arthritis
If you suffer from arthritis, you do not need medical clearance to fly. However, if your mobility is severely impaired, a medical report and MEDIF is required.
Artificial limbs
Medical clearance is not required for guests who can use aircraft facilities on their own.
Asthma
If you suffer from asthma, you do not need medical clearance to fly. However, if you require oxygen, a medical report and MEDIF is required.
Always make sure to carry your medication in your cabin baggage.
Blind or visual impairment
If you are blind or have a visual impairment, please let us know at least 48 hours before your flight so that we can make arrangements to assist you during your trip. When you arrive at the airport, please notify our staff so that we can help you get to the gate and board the aircraft. On board, our cabin crew will read the menu for you, help you identify food items, place them on your tray and assist with opening packages if you need it.
You do not need medical clearance to fly unless:
Deaf, hearing impairment or mute
If you are deaf, have a hearing impairment or are mute, please let us know at least 48 hours before your flight so that we can make arrangements to assist you during your trip. On board, our cabin crew will update you when we make announcements. You do not need medical clearance to fly.
Diabetes
If you have diabetes, you do not need medical clearance to fly. However, if you require a specific meal or treatment during the flight, please let us know at least 24 hours before your flight.
Always carry medication, including insulin, appropriately packaged in your cabin baggage with a prescription or letter from your doctor. Regulations will vary depending on the country that you are visiting so always familiarise yourself with what medication you can or cannot take with you on your trip. Please always dispose of needles and syringes responsibly by informing a member of our cabin crew.
You may require medical clearance if your condition is unstable or you have recently been admitted to hospital.
Fractures
If you have a fracture and a cast (the cast must be at least 48 hours old), you will require a medical certificate to fly.
Plasters should be split for fresh injuries (48 hours or less) which could swell inside the cast on a long flight.
Extra legroom for leg elevation is not possible in our Economy cabins. If you need to keep your foot elevated, please consider booking one of our premium cabins.
Lung or heart disease
If you suffer from a cardiopulmonary condition which causes dyspnoea on walking more than 100m, or which has resulted in requiring oxygen in hospital or at home (or previously required in-flight), you may require supplemental oxygen on board.
Aircraft oxygen is for emergency use only.
If you request continuous oxygen or the use of a stretcher, you must provide a recent and detailed medical report, including the oxygen saturation on room air, on supplemental oxygen and oxygen flow rate, along with your MEDIF certificate.
Physical disabilities and supporting devices
We have a number of wheelchair options available to help guests with limited mobility. Please simply request assistance in advance to avoid delays at the airport. Electric wheelchairs must be dry-cell operated in order to meet our cabin safety requirements.
Assistive devices such as canes, crutches and foldable walkers are allowed in the cabin, but they must be securely stored before take-off and landing. Cabin chairs are available on board all of our flights to assist non-ambulatory guests to move to and from the aircraft toilets. The majority of our aircraft are also equipped with accessible toilets.
Civil Aviation Rules require all guests to be able to keep the aircraft seat with the seat back in the upright position when required. The following supporting devices are acceptable for upper torso support
Decompression sickness
Decompression sickness occurs if diving is followed immediately by travel to altitudes above sea level. If you have been scuba diving, we advise you delay your travel by 24 hours and by 48 hours after decompression diving.
If you’re suffering from decompression sickness, you will need to obtain medical clearance through MEDIF. Refer to our Fitness to fly guidelines to understand how soon you are able to travel after suffering from decompression sickness.
Newborn babies
Newborn babies are permitted to fly seven days after birth, provided that the baby was not premature and there were no complications resulting from the birth. If the baby was born prematurely or there were complications, you are required to submit a MEDIF form and medical report.
Expectant mothers
During the first 28 weeks of your pregnancy, you do not need a medical certificate to fly, though we’d always recommend speaking with your doctor to get their advice before you travel. From weeks 29 to 36, you will require a medical certificate to fly, which you’ll have to present when you check in at the airport.
Flying as an expectant mother
In some cases, you may be required to travel with a safety assistant or a personal care attendant. An escort must be above the age of 18 years old and both physically and mentally capable of attending to the guest.
Safety assistant
A safety assistant will help a guest to exit the aircraft in the case of an emergency evacuation or will establish communication with our cabin crew for the safety briefing. A safety assistant will not look after a guest’s personal needs.
A safety assistant is required in the following situations
Personal care attendant
A personal care attendant should be fully familiar with the condition and requirements of the guest and is capable of attending to their needs throughout the flight. This includes administering medication, eating and drinking and help with using the toilet facilities.
Guests who are not self-reliant are strongly recommended to travel with a personal care attendant.
Approved devices
All medical devices intended to be used on board must be labelled by the manufacturer to reflect that it has been tested to meet applicable United States Federal Aviation Authority/Department of Transportation requirements for medical portable electronic devices.
Alternatively, you may provide a compliance letter or certificate from the manufacturer stating the FAA approval. All medical devices must be dry-cell battery operated with sufficient battery supply for 1.5 times the flight duration.
All ventilated cases require prior submission of MEDIF to obtain medical clearance and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Etihad Airways Medical Centre. If approved, all ventilated cases must be accompanied by a physician experienced in aeromedical transportation.
Battery requirements
Lithium battery powered medical devices with a watt rating between 100Wh – 160Wh, or with a lithium metal content between 2g – 8 g, require prior approval. If approved, you may carry a maximum of two spare batteries. Please get in touch with our Global Contact Centre at least 48 hours before your flight.
For all other battery powered medical devices, you must carry sufficient battery supply to power the device for 1.5 times the flight duration. This includes lithium batteries with a Wh rating of up to 100Wh, or with a lithium metal content of up to 2g.
Spare batteries must be carried in cabin baggage only. They must be individually packaged in a way that protects them from damage and that all terminals are insulated.
If you are carrying a battery-powered medical device on board but do not intend to use it during the flight, or if you are carrying the device in your checked baggage, the device must be properly switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode) and protected from damage or unintentional activation.
Portable oxygen concentrator
If you intend to use your own device on board, you must submit a MEDIF to obtain medical clearance at least 72 hours before your flight. You must use your own Personal Oxygen Concentrator (POC) before boarding, after landing and during transit.
We provide oxygen (with a simple facemask or nasal cannula at 1L, 2L, 3L, or 4L/min) for use onboard our aircraft. 4L/min may not be available on certain long-haul routes. We use the “Zero Two” oxygen cylinder which is compatible with other medical equipment. You can find more details and specifications here.
You must also present a medical certificate, signed by a licensed physician, at check-in at least one hour before your flight.
The medical certificate must state
Whether the user of the device has the physical and cognitive ability to see, hear and understand the device’s aural and visual cautions and warnings and is able, without assistance, to take the appropriate action in response to those cautions and warnings
Whether or not oxygen use is medically necessary for all or a portion of the duration of the trip
Specify the maximum oxygen flow rate (corresponding to the pressure in the cabin of the aircraft under normal operating conditions)
GCAA Authorised/ FAA Approved Brands
The following devices are currently permitted for use on board our aircraft
If your device is newly approved by the United States Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and is not listed above, please submit a MEDIF to obtain medical clearance at least five days before your flight and provide the supporting documents.
If you are a carrying a battery-powered, personal oxygen concentrator on board as cabin baggage but do not intend to use it during the flight, the battery must be removed. It must be packaged separately unless the concentrator contains at least two protective features to prevent accidental operation during transport.
Carrying and using personal oxygen concentrators
Personal oxygen concentrators may be carried on and used on board under the following conditions
If you’re using a portable oxygen concentrator, you must comply with the following conditions to use the device on board the aircraft
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure devices (CPAP/BIPAP)
Carrying and using CPAP/BIPAP devices
Prior medical clearance is not required to carry or use a CPAP/BIPAP device on board, provided the following conditions are met:
On aircraft with an in-seat power supply, it is important to note
Our check-in staff will ensure that the device is in compliance with these conditions.
Respirators and ventilators
Prior medical clearance through the MEDIF system is required to travel with a respirator or ventilator.
If you intend to use the device on board, you must notify us at least 72 hours before your flight.
If you need to use a ventilator you will usually be accompanied by a physician or experienced nurse. The appropriateness of a nurse or doctor escort will be evaluated by the Etihad Airways Medical Centre, based on the provided medical reports.
Carrying and using respirators and ventilators
Respirators and ventilators may be carried on and used on board under the following conditions
Portable dialysis devices
Portable Dialysis devices are permitted as cabin or checked baggage, as long as they comply with all safety and security regulations. The device must be within our maximum cabin dimension to be carried as cabin baggage. If the device does not meet the required regulations to be carried on board, it must be carried as checked baggage with no extra charge.
The device must not be used at any time during the flight. It must be properly switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode) and protected from damage.
In the interest of health and comfort, all of our aircraft are regularly treated with insecticides to comply with International Health Regulations. Please consider all flights as treated with insecticides.
Flights to and from the Seychelles require our teams to carry out additional insecticide treatments when the cabin is sealed and all guests are on board.
Etihad Airways is covered by this rule for any flight to or from a US airport. To view a copy of the US Rule for Non-discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel applicable to all flights from and to the US, please ask one of our team at our airports serving the US.
Alternatively, you can contact the US Department of Transportation
Read more about the services and support available on board and at the airport if you have a disability or mobility issue.
Airport wheelchairs
So that we’re able to assist everyone who needs support, wheelchairs may only be requested for guests with a disability or mobility issue.
If you or someone in your party doesn’t have a disability or mobility issue but you need help getting around the airport, our Meet and Assist service may be a better option. It enables you to fast track through the airport with a dedicated host and get assistance with your bags. It’s perfect for elderly guests, first-time flyers, and guests who are unfamiliar with the local language.
Alternatively, a free buggy service is available when you clear security checks in Abu Dhabi to help you move around the terminal. Speak to an agent at check-in for more information.
If you need a wheelchair, you can request one from the following categories:
How to request a wheelchair
You can request a wheelchair at etihad.com/manage. We recommend requesting a wheelchair as soon as you can, or at least 48 hours before your flight. That way, we can make sure everything is in place ahead of your trip.
At the airport
If you’ve booked a wheelchair, let us know when you check in at the airport. For assistance when you land or if you have a connecting flight, speak to our crew on board.
On board
If you’ve booked a Ramp Wheelchair, it will be waiting for you when you leave the aircraft and reach the airport terminal.
For all other wheelchair requests, please stay seated when we land and listen to the onboard announcements. We'll ensure your wheelchair is ready and any other necessary provisions are in place for you to safely leave the aircraft.
Seats
With our choice of seats on board, you’ll always find a spot where you’ll feel comfortable.
If you have a physical or cognitive disability, remember to visit etihad.com/manage to request special assistance before you book your seat. Then, select your seat for free online or by calling us.
Alternatively, you can select your seat any time before you fly at etihad.com/manage, and it’s free when you book a Comfort or Deluxe fare. If you choose not to select your seat before online check-in opens, we’ll automatically assign you a suitable seat free of charge.
If you have a disability or mobility impairment, you will not be permitted to sit in an emergency exit seat, or in a row behind or in front of an emergency exit.
It’s also important to note that the number of passengers unable to assist with their own emergency evacuation must not exceed the number of passengers who are able to. People able to assist in an emergency evacuation are defined as being aged 18 or older, without any physical or mental disability or reduced mobility, and travelling without infants or pets.
Accessible toilets
Our A380, B787, B777, A350 aircraft are equipped with accessible toilets.
Onboard wheelchairs are also available on all flights (excluding A320Neo aircraft) to help non-ambulatory guests move to and from the aircraft toilets. Our cabin crew are unable to assist guests using the toilet facilities.
Travelling with your own wheelchair
You can bring your own wheelchair for free in addition to your checked baggage allowance. The height of the wheelchair should not exceed 120cm. Some battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids require prior approval. Find out more below or get in touch.
Electric wheelchairs and battery requirements
Lithium battery powered medical devices with a watt rating between 100Wh – 160Wh, or with a lithium metal content between 2g – 8g, require prior approval. Call us at least 48 hours before your flight.
If approved, you may carry a maximum of two spare batteries.
Spare batteries must be carried in your cabin bag only. They must be individually packed and protected from damage, with all terminals insulated.
If you’re carrying a battery-powered medical device on board but do not intend to use it during the flight, or you’re carrying the device in your checked baggage, the device must be properly switched off (not in sleep or hibernation mode) and protected from damage or unintentional activation.
Lithium-ion batteries
Spillable batteries
If your wheelchair or mobility aid is powered by a spillable battery, the battery may remain securely attached to the wheelchair if all electrical circuits are isolated. We must also be able to load, stow, secure and unload the aid in an upright position at all times. This may depend on the aircraft type.
All Etihad Airways aircraft operating to and from the US have a priority space in the cabin for the stowage of one folding wheelchair. This space is available on a first come, first served basis.
All other batteries
Batteries may remain securely attached to the wheelchair, with all electrical circuits isolated.
If the wheelchair is designed with a detachable battery, you may remove the battery, package it in a strong rigid packaging and carry it as checked baggage only.
You are permitted to carry one spare wet, non-spillable battery or two spare nickel-metal hydride batteries or dry batteries, safely packaged in a strong, rigid packaging and carried as checked baggage only.
Other mobility aids
Mobility aids, such as canes, crutches and foldable walkers, and assistive devices are permitted on board. You can carry mobility aids for free, as well as any medical equipment, in addition to your checked or cabin baggage allowance. Devices must be no longer than 81cm and securely stowed before take-off and landing. Mobility aids exceeding 33cm x 91cm x 106cm can be checked for free in addition to your standard baggage allowance.
Assistive devices must meet all safety and security regulations.
Storing wheelchairs and mobility aids
If you’re travelling on any of our wide body aircraft, you may be able to store your manual wheelchair, mobility aid or other assistive device on board.
Storage is available on a first come, first served basis for items up to 33cm x 91cm x 106cm. Electric wheelchairs must be dry-cell operated.
Other mobility aids such as canes, crutches and foldable walkers can be stored in the overhead lockers.
Due to weight or size, there may be circumstances where the device is not accepted on board.
Checking in your wheelchair or mobility aid
You can opt to put your wheelchair in the hold for free in addition to your checked baggage allowance. At check-in, we’ll tag your wheelchair, then you can choose to receive it at the aircraft door or collect it at the baggage belt when you land.
At the airport, you can use your wheelchair to the boarding gate. We’ll then assist you to your seat on an airport or cabin wheelchair.
