Etihad Airways posts record passenger numbers and fleet growth in 2025

Etihad Airways has closed 2025 with its strongest operational performance to date, carrying 22.4 million passengers, a 21% increase year-on-year and the highest annual total in the airline’s history. The result was supported by sustained demand, controlled capacity expansion and continued network growth from its Abu Dhabi hub.

For the full year, Etihad reported a passenger load factor of 88.3%, up two percentage points compared with 2024, highlighting consistently strong utilisation across its expanding fleet. The airline’s commercial momentum remained evident throughout the year, with demand keeping pace with added capacity.

December capped off the record year on a particularly strong note. Etihad carried 2.2 million passengers during the month, representing a 28% increase compared with December 2024. Load factor for the month reached 87.6%, underscoring robust end-of-year travel demand and effective capacity management during the peak season.

A key driver behind the airline’s growth was its largest-ever fleet expansion, with 29 aircraft added in 2025, bringing Etihad’s operating fleet to 127 aircraft by year-end. Among the additions was the Airbus A321LR, enabling Etihad to extend its premium cabin offering to short- and medium-haul routes while supporting new destination launches and increased frequencies.

Etihad’s network continued to expand in parallel with fleet growth, increasing from 94 to 110 destinations over the year. According to the airline, its growth in 2025 accounted for approximately half of total passenger growth in the UAE, underlining Etihad’s strategic role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism development and broader economic ambitions.

Commenting on the results, Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said the airline had delivered its strongest year ever while continuing to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction. He highlighted the record December performance and the expanded fleet as key enablers for future growth, positioning Etihad to welcome more visitors to Abu Dhabi across an increasingly global network.

Looking ahead to 2026, Etihad says it remains focused on safety, customer experience and sustainable growth, as it seeks to balance further expansion with disciplined execution in a competitive global market.