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Passenger numbers increased 21 per cent year-on-year to 22.4 million,
positioning Etihad as the fastest growing global full-service network carrier.
Capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), rose 21 per cent to
111.5 billion, while passenger load factor improved by two percentage points to
88.3 per cent.
Total revenue grew 21 per cent year-on-year to AED 30.7 billion (U.S. $8.4
billion). Passenger revenue increased 24 per cent to AED 25.8 billion (U.S.
$7.0 billion), supported by higher capacity, improved load factors and stronger
yields. Cargo revenue rose 8 per cent to AED 4.5 billion (U.S. $1.2 billion),
with cargo volumes up 9 per cent to more than 700,000 leg tonnes.
Through expanded belly-hold capacity and its joint venture with SF Express,
Etihad became the largest cargo operator between mainland China and the Middle
East, operating over 100 monthly cargo services.
EBITDA increased 37 per cent year-on-year to AED 6.3 billion (U.S. $1.7
billion), representing a 20 per cent margin. Profit margin improved to 8.4 per
cent, compared with the industry average net profit margin of 3.9 per cent,
according to IATA’s December 2025 estimates. Cash flow from operations reached
almost AED 8.0 billion, enabling the airline to fund capital expenditure while
reducing leverage. In December 2025, Fitch upgraded Etihad’s credit rating to AA-,
the highest publicly available rating among global airline peers.
“2025 has been a defining year for Etihad, delivering our strongest
performance across every key metric and marking our fourth consecutive year of
profitability. These results confirm that our strategy is working – growing
sustainably, strengthening our financial position, and continuing to deliver a
high-quality experience for our guests.” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive
Officer of Etihad Airways.
“I would like to sincerely thank our guests for choosing Etihad and
trusting us with their journeys, and to thank our people across the airline for
their commitment, professionalism and pride in what they do. Their passion for
delivering extraordinary experiences has been central to our success during a
year of significant growth, and to our ability to welcome more people to Abu
Dhabi.”
“With a stronger financial position, a growing fleet and a clear sense of
purpose, we are well positioned to continue building on this momentum – giving
flight to ambition for our guests, our people and to Abu Dhabi.”
In 2025, Etihad expanded its operating fleet to 127 aircraft, the largest
in its history, adding 29 aircraft during the year. The airline increased its
network from 94 to 110 destinations, while total landings rose from 90,000 to
more than 105,000. New routes included Atlanta, Prague, Warsaw, Addis Ababa,
Phnom Penh, Hanoi and Hong Kong.
Point-to-point traffic to Abu Dhabi rose to 5.5 million passengers, up from 4.6 million in 2024, while the stopover programme welcomed 170,000 visitors, more than double the previous year’s figure. Etihad’s growth accounted for approximately 50 per cent of total passenger growth in the UAE in 2025.
“Etihad’s record 2025 performance reflects the strength of its long-term
strategy and the quality of execution delivered by its leadership and people.
As the national airline of the UAE, Etihad plays a central role in advancing
Abu Dhabi’s global connectivity, tourism growth and economic diversification,
supporting the emirate’s long-term ambitions.” said His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa,
Chairman of Etihad Airways.
Customer experience investment continued throughout 2025, including fully
lie-flat seating on the A321LR, enhanced onboard dining, upgraded amenity kits
and expanded First cabin services. A brand refresh and new digital platforms
contributed to a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in Net Promoter Score.
Etihad received more than 25 international awards during the year,
including World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience and World’s Leading
Airline Economy Class at the World Travel Awards, Five Star Global Airline
status from APEX, and a Seven-Star Plus Safety Rating from Airline Ratings. In
January 2026, the airline was ranked number one among the world’s safest
full-service airlines by AirlineRatings.
The airline welcomed more than 3,200 new employees in 2025 and promoted
around 2,200 staff. Recruitment included approximately 1,600 cabin crew and
almost 400 pilots, while internal promotions covered around 1,500 cabin crew
and nearly 150 pilots. The workforce represented 152 nationalities, alongside
continued investment in UAE national talent development programmes.
Etihad also announced major aircraft orders in May and November 2025,
strengthening its long-term fleet pipeline to support future network growth and
product development.
Tags: Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways. Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa
