Etihad Airways offers 40% discount on fares

Etihad Airways has slashed up to 40 per cent off its regular air fares for the month of May, the airline said in a statement on Sunday.

The Abu Dhabi-based carrier said the promotion, which applies only to economy class, was not linked to a slump in global oil prices nor was it a response to Emirates' decision earlier on Sunday to remove a fuel surcharge on all its airfares.

"Fuel prices remain volatile and we continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure we remain competitive," a spokesperson for Etihad said.

Commodity prices, including crude oil were sent tumbling last week, following the death of Al Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden.

"Last week we were recognised as the Middle East's Leading Airline at the region's World Travel Awards, so we are very excited to offer these sale fares to complement the win, designed to help all our UAE based customers choose their perfect holiday or short break during May," said Hareb Al Muhairi, Etihad Airways' vice president of UAE sales.