ABU DHABI, November 14, 2025: Etihad Airways reported a record profit of AED 1.7 billion (US$463 million) for the first nine months of 2025, marking the strongest performance in the airline’s history. The result represents a 26 percent increase compared to the same period last year, as the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates maintained growth across passenger and cargo operations. Total revenue rose 18 percent year-on-year to AED 21.7 billion (US$5.9 billion), reflecting continued demand recovery and operational expansion. Passenger revenue reached AED 18.2 billion (US$4.9 billion), a 20 percent increase from 2024, while cargo revenue grew 8 percent to AED 3.2 billion (US$875 million).
Etihad Airways continues record-breaking growth across global routes and fleet expansion. (Credit – Etihad Airways)
The airline’s profit margin improved to 8 percent from 7 percent a year earlier, supported by higher capacity utilization and efficiency gains. Etihad carried 16.1 million passengers between January and September, the highest total in its history and an 18 percent increase over the same period in 2024. Capacity expanded 17 percent, while the average load factor rose one percentage point to 88 percent. The growth was driven by strong travel demand to and through Abu Dhabi and the expansion of Etihad’s global network. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 27 percent to AED 4.3 billion (US$1.2 billion), resulting in a margin of 20 percent.
Operating cash flow reached nearly AED 6 billion (US$1.6 billion), an increase of more than 40 percent from the previous year. Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the airline’s performance reflected the resilience of its business model and the continued appeal of Abu Dhabi as a major aviation hub. At the end of September, Etihad operated a fleet of 115 aircraft, up by 19 from the same period last year. The third quarter saw the addition of nine new aircraft, including three Boeing 787s, two Airbus A350s, three Airbus A321LRs, and one A320. In July, Etihad achieved another milestone by carrying 20 million passengers on a rolling 12-month basis for the first time in its history.
Etihad expands fleet and global route network
The introduction of the Airbus A321LR fleet on August 1 marked a notable enhancement to Etihad’s product offering. The aircraft, which entered service on the Abu Dhabi-Phuket route, features private First Class suites, fully lie-flat Business Class seats in a 1-1 configuration, and upgraded cabin interiors across all classes. The new aircraft are designed to provide premium comfort on narrow-body routes, aligning with the airline’s focus on passenger experience. Etihad continued expanding its network and connectivity, operating close to 300 passenger flights daily across more than 100 destinations as of September 30.
Cargo operations strengthen with new global deals
During the third quarter, it launched flights to Atlanta in the United States and Al Alamein in Egypt, and announced new routes to Salalah, Kazan, and Krakow. The airline has added more than 500,000 seats in Europe this year, contributing to Abu Dhabi’s inbound tourism and connectivity growth. Customer satisfaction improved across all cabin categories in 2025, with Net Promoter Scores reaching record levels, particularly in premium cabins. Etihad was recognized as a Five-Star Global Airline for 2026 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) for its product innovation and service quality.
The carrier also expanded its strategic partnerships, including a loyalty collaboration with Vietnam Airlines and a cargo alliance with Atlas Air, enhancing operational and commercial synergies. Etihad’s workforce grew in line with operational expansion. More than 2,600 new employees joined the company in the first nine months of 2025, including over 200 pilots and 1,500 cabin crew. During the same period, 1,500 employees were promoted, reflecting continued investment in workforce development and operational excellence. The airline’s sustained growth across passenger, cargo, and operational metrics reinforces its position as a leading global carrier and a key driver of Abu Dhabi’s aviation and tourism sectors. – By Content Syndication Services.