Etihad sets new passenger record with 19% surge

Etihad Airways has reported record July passenger traffic rising 19% compared to 2024 as it carried two million passengers, underscoring its position as one of the fastest-growing carriers in the region.

 

The national airline of the UAE, based in Abu Dhabi, recorded a load factor of 90% while reaching 20.3 million passengers over a 12-month span, with the airline well positioned to surpass its goal of 21 million passengers for 2025.

 

Driving this upward trend is Etihad’s determination to double both its fleet and passenger count by 2030. CEO Antonoaldo Neves has set ambitious targets, looking to expand the fleet to 200 aircraft and carry over 38 million travellers by the decade’s end.

 

“Our rolling 12-month total has surpassed 20 million for the first time in our history, reflecting the trust our customers place in our service and the strength of our network," said Neves.

 

These objectives are well within reach, as Etihad has already doubled its passenger numbers in the past 30 months. The outlook for 2025 continues to point to another record year for the airline.

 

RELATED:

Etihad to double passengers and aircraft by 2030

7 new destinations join Etihad’s fast growing network

Etihad launches A321LR with premium cabins on narrowbody aircraft

 

In addition to expanding the fleet, which now stands at 111 aircraft, the airline has launched an aggressive network expansion, adding seven new destinations spanning the Gulf, Caucasus and Central Asia, as well as new frequencies to key cities, including doubling flights to Frankfurt and Barcelona. 

 

The route network now covers 81 destinations, expected to reach 90 by year’s end as part of a plan involving 27 new routes for 2025. 

 

To meet soaring demand, Etihad has continued to grow its fleet, recently surpassing the milestone of 100 aircraft and adding new models such as the Airbus A380, Boeing B787-9, Airbus A350-1000, and the A321LR, the latter debuting on 1 August with premium cabin features including First Suites with flat beds, wireless charging, Bluetooth connectivity and a 20-inch 4K screen.

 

Looking ahead, Etihad expects to receive 18 additional aircraft through 2025, further supporting its growth and service ambitions.

 

Financially, Etihad’s strategy is delivering strong results, with profit margins projected to increase and the carrier posting a record US$476 million annual profit for 2024. Q1 2025 profits jumped 30% to another record US$187 million, signalling a sustained positive trajectory.

 

For more information, visit www.etihad.com