Etihad Airways Reports Record Passenger Numbers in 2025

Etihad Airways Carries 22.4 Million Passengers in 2025, Up 21% Year-on-Year

Etihad Airways carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, marking a 21% year-on-year increase, supported by sustained demand and steady capacity growth across its expanding network. The airline recorded a full-year passenger load factor of 88.3%, up 2 percentage points from 2024.

Etihad also reported a strong finish to the year, carrying 2.3 million passengers in December 2025, up 28% compared with December 2024. The passenger load factor for the month stood at 87.6%, reflecting consistent utilisation during the year-end travel period.

At the end of 2025, Etihad’s operating fleet reached 127 aircraft, following the addition of 29 aircraft during the year. The expansion included the introduction of the Airbus A321LR, allowing Etihad to extend its premium cabin offering to more short- and medium-haul routes and support further network growth. The airline’s destination network also grew from 94 to 110 destinations.

Etihad Airways stated that its growth contributed significantly to overall passenger traffic growth in the UAE in 2025, supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism and economic objectives.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “2025 was a year of strong growth for Etihad. We carried more than 22 million passengers while continuing to improve our service, product and customer satisfaction across the year.

“Closing the year with a strong December reflects the confidence our customers place in our product and service. With a fleet of 127 aircraft, Etihad is positioned to welcome more visitors to Abu Dhabi and support travel across an expanding network.

“The year’s results reflect our team’s execution and our customers’ trust. As we move into 2026, we remain committed to safety, customer service and sustainable growth that benefits Abu Dhabi and the communities we serve.”

Performance Snapshot