Etihad Airways carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 21%. Its annual passenger load factor reached 88.3%, up two percentage points from 2024, reflecting strong commercial performance throughout the year.
The airline carried 2.2 million passengers in December 2025, up 28% from December 2024. The month’s load factor was 87.6%, maintaining high utilisation during the peak year-end travel season, according to a release on Etihad’s website.
Etihad ended 2025 with 127 aircraft after adding 29 during the year, the largest annual fleet expansion in its history. Growth included the introduction of the Airbus A321LR, extending the airline’s service offering to more short- and medium-haul routes and supporting continued network expansion.
Based on projected growth in air traffic across the UAE, Etihad accounted for nearly 40% of the country’s total passenger growth in 2025, reflecting its central role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s tourism and economic ambitions.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves said 2025 was a year of sustained growth. The airline carried more than 22 million passengers, its highest annual total, while maintaining strong load factors and operational performance.
He said the record December finish reflects customers’ confidence in Etihad’s products and services. With 127 aircraft, its largest-ever fleet, the airline is better positioned than ever to bring more visitors to Abu Dhabi and offer travel experiences across its rapidly growing global network.
To read the Etihad announcement, click here.
