ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY), the UAE flag carrier, closed 2025 with more than 25 major international awards spanning safety, customer experience, cabin design, and operational performance.
The recognition positions the airline among a small group of global carriers to achieve top-tier accolades across both service quality and aviation safety.
Operating from Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, Etihad concluded the year by becoming the first airline in the region to earn the Seven-Star Plus Safety Rating. This distinction places the carrier among only four airlines worldwide to receive the highest rating available in global airline safety assessments.
Global Award Recognition
Etihad’s strongest global recognition came from the World Travel Awards Grand Final, where it secured three top honors for customer experience, economy class, and business class lounge performance.
These awards highlighted the airline’s consistent focus on service quality across both onboard and ground products.
Additional recognition followed from Airline Ratings, which placed Etihad among the five safest full-service airlines worldwide.
Airline Economics also named the carrier Aviation 100 MAE Airline of the Year 2025, reflecting financial discipline and network growth during a high-expansion phase.
APEX awarded Etihad Five-Star Global Airline status for 2026, placing it within an elite group of carriers worldwide.
The AirHelp Score 2025 ranked Etihad second globally with a score of 8.07 out of 10, based on punctuality, customer satisfaction, and claims performance across more than 60 countries.
Cabin And Product Excellence
Etihad continued to dominate cabin-focused awards in 2025, with Skytrax recognizing the airline for Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East.
Business Traveller Middle East further honored the carrier with awards for Best Cabin Crew and Best Economy Class.
Design and comfort also stood out as key strengths. APEX Future Travel Experience EMEA awarded Etihad Best in Seat Comfort in the Middle East, while The Design Air named it Design Airline of the Year Middle East.
The airline earned multiple product awards for its amenity kits and onboard comfort innovations. These included recognition for its children’s amenity kits, limited-edition First Class kits, and economy comfort products designed to enhance long-haul travel.
Operational Performance Growth
Beyond the passenger cabin, Etihad’s operational achievements received broad recognition. Aviation Business Middle East named the airline’s Customer Experience Initiative as the best of the year, while DRI ASEAN Awards recognized Etihad for business continuity management across the GCC.
The airline’s cargo division also performed strongly, earning awards for customer centricity and innovative logistics solutions.
These achievements reinforced Etihad’s position as a full-spectrum aviation group spanning passenger and freight operations.
Etihad leadership credited sustained investment, fleet modernization, and staff performance for the results. The airline introduced new aircraft types in 2025 and continued operating premium flagship products while expanding its route network.
Bottom Line
Etihad Airways finished 2025 with one of the strongest award performances in its history, combining safety leadership with customer experience excellence.
The results underline the airline’s strategy of balancing rapid growth with operational discipline as it strengthens its global position.
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