Etihad reveals record passenger numbers for 2025

The number of passengers carried by Etihad Airways in 2025 reached an all-time high, driven by the expansion of its fleet and route network.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline carried 22.4 million passengers last year, an increase of 21 percent year on year, underpinned by a 30 percent increase in fleet capacity and the launch of 16 new destinations.

Passenger load factor reached 88.3 percent, up 2 percentage points from 2024, the carrier said in a statement.

By the end of the year, Etihad’s operating fleet stood at 127 aircraft, following the addition of 29 jets – the largest single-year fleet expansion in its history.

The carrier claimed the expansion accounted for around half of the UAE’s total passenger growth last year, citing the projected nationwide airline traffic figures.

“Etihad is better positioned than ever to welcome more visitors to Abu Dhabi amid a rapidly expanding network,” CEO Antonoaldo Neves said in the statement.

Further reading:

• Gulf aviation set for another record-breaking year ahead
• Etihad turns to secondary market to beat plane shortage
• Etihad Airways commits $15bn for 28 Boeing jets

In November Neves said that the airline plans to increase its fleet size to 200 aircraft by the end of the decade. It placed an order for 32 Airbus wide-body jets at the Dubai Airshow.

Etihad’s net income for the first nine months of 2025 rose to $463 million, up 25 percent year on year. Passenger revenue increased 20 percent to nearly $5 billion after flying 16 million travellers during the period.

Financial details for the full year 2025 were not disclosed.