Etihad Airways to deliver record passenger numbers and growth by 2025 | News
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, supported by sustained demand and disciplined capacity growth across its growing global network. The full year passenger load factor was 88.3%, an increase of two percentage points compared to 2024, reflecting the strong commercial performance throughout the year.
The airline ended the year on a strong note, carrying 2.2 million passengers in December, an increase of 28% compared to the same month in 2024. Passenger load factor for the month was 87.6%, maintaining a consistently high load factor during the peak year-end period.
At the end of the year, Etihad’s fleet consisted of 127 aircraft, following the addition of 29 aircraft in 2025 – the largest single-year fleet expansion in the airline’s history. This growth included the introduction of the Airbus A321LR, expanding Etihad’s premium cabin product to a wider range of short- and medium-haul destinations and supporting the continued expansion of the network.
Etihad’s growth in 2025 accounted for around half of the UAE’s total passenger growth, based on reported expected air traffic growth across the country, reflecting the airline’s central role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism and economic ambitions.
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 – the highest annual total in our history – as we improved our service, product and customer satisfaction throughout the year.
“Ending the year with a record high in December reflects the trust our customers have in our product and service. With the largest fleet in Etihad history, of 127 aircraft, Etihad is better positioned than ever to welcome more visitors to Abu Dhabi and deliver exceptional travel experiences for our guests through a rapidly growing network.
“The year’s performance reflects the performance of our team and our customers’ confidence in our premium service. Thank you for your commitment and 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.”
