Etihad Airways delivers record passenger numbers and growth in 2025

Etihad Airways carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, an increase of 21% year-on-year and the highest annual total in the airline’s history, underpinned by sustained demand and disciplined capacity growth across its expanding global network.

Passenger Growth
- 22.4 million passengers carried in 2025 — the highest annual total in Etihad’s history.
- Represents a 21% year-on-year increase compared to 2024.
- December 2025 alone: 2.3 million passengers, up 28% from December 2024.

Operational Performance
Passenger load factor:
- Full year: 88.3% (+2 percentage points vs. 2024).
- December: 87.6%, showing strong demand during peak travel season.

Fleet expansion:
- End of 2025: 127 aircraft (largest fleet in Etihad’s history).
- Added 29 aircraft in one year, including the Airbus A321LR, extending premium cabin service to short- and medium-haul routes.

Network destinations: Expanded to 110, including seasonal and cargo routes.

Strategic Impact
- Etihad’s growth accounted for half of total passenger growth in the UAE in 2025.
- Reinforces Abu Dhabi’s ambitions as a global tourism and economic hub.
- Strong commercial performance underpinned by disciplined capacity growth and customer confidence.

CEO Statement
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways:
> “2025 was a year of strong growth for Etihad. We carried more than 22 million passengers – the highest annual total in our history – while improving our service, product, and customer satisfaction across the year… With the largest fleet in Etihad’s history, Etihad is better positioned than ever to welcome more visitors to Abu Dhabi and deliver extraordinary travel experiences.”

Key Takeaways
- Record-breaking passenger numbers and fleet size.
- Strong load factors showing efficient capacity use.
- Strategic role in UAE’s aviation and tourism growth.
- Positioned for sustainable expansion in 2026.