Etihad Airways reports 22.4 million passengers in 2025

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Etihad Airways reports 22.4 million passengers in 2025

January 12, 2026

ABU DHABI,— Etihad Airways set a new record in 2025, transporting 22.4 million passengers, a 21 percent increase from the previous year, the airline reported Monday.

The milestone marks the highest annual total in the carrier’s history, fueled by steady demand and careful expansion across its global network.

Etihad said its passenger load factor for the year reached 88.3 percent, up two points from 2024, demonstrating consistently strong commercial performance.

The airline ended the year on a strong note, carrying 2.2 million travelers in December, a 28 percent increase compared with December 2024.

The monthly load factor stood at 87.6 percent, reflecting sustained high utilization during the peak holiday travel period.

By the end of 2025, Etihad’s fleet had grown to 127 aircraft, adding 29 planes over the year, which the airline described as the largest single-year expansion in its history.

This included the introduction of the Airbus A321LR, enabling the airline to extend its premium cabin service to more short- and medium-haul destinations while supporting continued network growth.

Etihad’s expansion in 2025 represented roughly half of the total projected passenger growth in the United Arab Emirates, according to reported airline traffic forecasts.

The airline said this highlights its key role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s tourism and economic ambitions.

Boeing 787 Dreamliner of Etihad Airways, 2020. Photo: Creative Commons/Wikimedia.

Antonoaldo Neves, the Etihad Chief Executive Officer, said, “2025 was a year of strong growth for Etihad. We carried over 22 million passengers, the highest annual total in our history, while improving our service and customer experience throughout the year. Ending the year with a record December demonstrates the trust our customers have in our products and services.”

According to Neves, the airline’s largest-ever fleet enables Etihad to serve more passengers in Abu Dhabi while delivering superior travel experiences across its expanding destinations.

Neves added that “These results reflect our team’s dedication and our passengers’ trust. As we enter 2026, we remain committed to safety, customer service, and sustainable growth for Abu Dhabi and the communities we serve.”

Founded in 2003 by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan under a decree from then-future UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Etihad Airways is one of the two national carriers of the UAE alongside Emirates.

The airline operates more than 1,000 weekly flights to over 120 destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Its main base is at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, with headquarters in Khalifa City.

In addition to passenger transport, Etihad runs Etihad Holidays and Etihad Cargo. The airline launched its first commercial flight to Beirut, Lebanon, on November 12, 2003, following a ceremonial flight to Al Ain earlier that month.

(With files from Etihad Airways)