ABU DHABI- Etihad Airways (EY) reported its strongest full-year performance in 2025, carrying 22.4 million passengers through Zayed International Airport (AUH) and recording its fourth consecutive annual profit.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline posted a 47 per cent rise in net profit to AED 2.6 billion, supported by network growth, fleet expansion, and higher demand across global markets.
Etihad Reports Record 2025 Profit
Etihad Airways increased passenger numbers by 21 per cent year-on-year to 22.4 million, supported by a matching 21 per cent rise in available seat kilometres to 111.5 billion. Passenger load factor improved to 88.3 per cent, up two percentage points from the previous year, reflecting stronger demand and disciplined capacity deployment.
Total revenue grew 21 per cent to AED 30.7 billion. Passenger revenue rose 24 per cent to AED 25.8 billion, driven by higher capacity, improved yields, and sustained global demand. Cargo revenue increased 8 per cent to AED 4.5 billion, with volumes rising 9 per cent to over 700,000 leg tonnes.
The airline’s integrated passenger and cargo model strengthened performance, with expanded belly-hold capacity supporting freight growth. Through its joint venture with SF Express, Etihad became the largest cargo operator between mainland China and the Middle East, operating more than 100 monthly cargo services.
EBITDA increased 37 per cent to AED 6.3 billion, with margin improving to 20 per cent. Profit after tax reached AED 2.6 billion, delivering an 8.4 per cent net profit margin. This is more than double the global airline industry average of 3.9 per cent, based on IATA estimates for December 2025.
Operating cash flow approached AED 8.0 billion, enabling the airline to fund capital expenditure and reduce debt. In December 2025, Fitch upgraded Etihad’s credit rating to AA-, the highest publicly available rating among global airline peers.
Fleet and Network Expansion Strengthen Global Reach
Etihad expanded its operating fleet to 127 aircraft in 2025, the largest in its history, following the addition of 29 aircraft, including Airbus A321LR, A350, Boeing 787 deliveries, and Airbus A380 reactivations.
The airline increased its network from 94 to 110 destinations. Total annual landings rose from 90,000 to over 105,000. New routes included Atlanta, Prague, Warsaw, Addis Ababa, Phnom Penh, Hanoi, and Hong Kong, strengthening connectivity across Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America.
This expansion positioned Etihad as the fastest-growing global full-service network carrier during the year.
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Tourism and Economic Strategy
Etihad increased point-to-point traffic to Abu Dhabi by 900,000 passengers, reaching 5.5 million in 2025. Its stopover programme attracted 170,000 visitors, more than double the previous year’s figure.
The airline accounted for approximately 50 per cent of total passenger growth in the UAE, reinforcing its role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism and economic diversification strategy.
As the UAE’s national airline, Etihad continues to strengthen global connectivity through expanded direct services and increased frequencies.
Investment in Customer Experience and Product
Etihad maintained product consistency while scaling operations. The introduction of fully lie-flat Business Class seats on the A321LR strengthened its premium narrowbody offering.
Enhancements included upgraded onboard dining, improved amenity kits, expanded First Class services, private chauffeur transfers, concierge offerings, and upgraded airport experiences. The airline also launched a refreshed brand identity alongside a new website and mobile app to improve digital engagement.
Net Promoter Score increased by 10 per cent year-on-year, reflecting measurable improvements in customer satisfaction across cabins and service touchpoints.
Awards, Safety, and Workforce Growth
Etihad won more than 25 international awards in 2025 across customer experience, safety, and operational performance. Recognition included World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience and World’s Leading Airline Economy Class at the World Travel Awards.
The airline also achieved Five-Star Global Airline status from APEX and received a Seven-Star Plus Safety Rating from Airline Ratings. In January 2026, it was ranked the world’s safest full-service airline by AirlineRatings.
The airline hired over 3,200 employees during the year, including 1,600 cabin crew and nearly 400 pilots. Around 2,200 employees received promotions. The workforce represented 152 nationalities, with continued focus on UAE national development through cadet pilot and leadership programmes.
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