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According to high-level sources, the 15 staff members were not informed of their termination through standard human resources channels
While airlines frequently undergo restructuring, the involvement of immigration authorities and the immediate deportation orders suggest that these dismissals may be rooted in factors beyond mere operational downsizing. (Representational image)
Etihad Airways has abruptly terminated the services of 15 Pakistani employees based in its Abu Dhabi hangar, CNN-News18 has learnt. The dismissals, carried out with extreme urgency, have sent shockwaves through the local expatriate community.
The 48-Hour Ultimatum
According to high-level sources, the 15 staff members were not informed of their termination through standard human resources channels. Instead, they were reportedly summoned directly to the immigration office, where they were served with official notices to leave the United Arab Emirates within 48 hours.
The group includes long-standing professionals, one of whom has dedicated 18 years to the UAE’s national carrier. This sudden eviction has left the employees in significant distress, as the two-day window provides virtually no time to settle financial affairs, close bank accounts, or arrange for the relocation of their families.
Silence from Etihad Airways
As of Thursday evening, Etihad Airways has not issued an official statement confirming the reasons behind the mass termination. While airlines frequently undergo restructuring, the involvement of immigration authorities and the immediate deportation orders suggest that these dismissals may be rooted in factors beyond mere operational downsizing.
Diplomatic Undercurrents
This move comes amid whispers of increasing friction between the UAE and Pakistan. Regional analysts suggest that the UAE is demonstrating a visible “hardening” of its stance towards Islamabad, with further administrative or economic fallouts expected in the coming weeks. The summary nature of these deportations is being viewed by many as a clear diplomatic signal of Abu Dhabi’s current displeasure with its South Asian partner.
April 30, 2026, 8:15 PM IST
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