Etihad Airways carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, marking its highest annual total ever, backed by strong global demand and the largest fleet expansion in its history.
ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways has reached a new milestone in 2025, transporting a record 22.4 million passengers across its global network. The figure represents a 21 percent increase from 2024 and underscores the airline’s growing impact on UAE aviation and tourism.
According to the airline, this growth was supported by strong passenger demand, strategic network expansion, and disciplined capacity management. The passenger load factor for the year hit 88.3 percent, up two percentage points compared to the previous year, indicating consistent commercial performance.
In December 2025 alone, Etihad carried 2.2 million passengers — a 28 percent jump from December 2024 — and maintained a robust monthly load factor of 87.6 percent, demonstrating high travel demand during the peak holiday season.
One of the key drivers behind this surge was the airline’s largest fleet expansion to date. Etihad added 29 aircraft in 2025, bringing its total operational fleet to 127 aircraft. Notably, the introduction of the Airbus A321LR allowed the airline to enhance its premium offerings on short- and medium-haul routes, enabling greater reach and flexibility across its network.
The airline’s growth in 2025 contributed to nearly half of the UAE’s overall passenger traffic increase, underlining its vital role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s economic development and tourism goals.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO 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 – while enhancing customer satisfaction and expanding our network. With the largest fleet in Etihad’s history, we are poised to deliver extraordinary travel experiences and bring more visitors to Abu Dhabi.”
Looking ahead, the airline is well-positioned to continue its growth momentum with a focus on customer experience, sustainability and global connectivity.
