UAE’s Etihad Airways posts record...

Increased route frequencies and 10 new destinations in 2025

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has posted record profits for 2024 of US$476 million.

Passenger numbers soared sharply, rising 32% to 18.5 million. Total revenue rose 25% to US$6.9 billion with equally strong performance from passenger revenue and cargo.

Etihad's record results come as little surprise given that Middle Eastern airlines saw a 9.4% traffic rise in 2024 compared to 2023, according to IATA, and the region's largest low-cost carrier Air Arabia also achieved record profits.

Etihad's stellar results come after a year of growth and expansion for the airline, which now operates more than 1,700 weekly flights. Over the past two years, frequencies have been increased on 25 routes, and 20 new destinations have been launched, including 10 that will begin operations in 2025.

A dozen new aircraft were also added to the fleet, with Etihad claiming to operate the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet in the region. As of December 2024, that fleet stood at 97 aircraft.

Etihad Airways 2024 gains

“As we expand our network and enhance our offerings, we remain focused on connecting more people with Abu Dhabi and supporting the emirate’s tourism ambitions, fulfilling our vision to be the airline that everyone wants to fly,” said HE Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways.

Throughout 2024, Etihad says it strengthened profitability and expanded margins through an optimised fleet and network, improved efficiency, and a continued focus on productivity.

Etihad’s network expanded to 80 destinations in December 2024, increasing connectivity for its Abu Dhabi hub, while also exploring new markets and opportunities, including a partnership with China Eastern, the first of its kind between a Middle Eastern and Chinese airline.

The airline has more plans in the pipeline for 2025, including new routes and increased frequencies.

There will be a new service between Abu Dhabi and Sochi, Russia's largest resort city located on the Black Sea, launching on 29 May 2025.

The airline is also increasing its new service to the US city of Atlanta before it even takes off, due to popular demand on the route. Launching with four weekly flights from 2 July 2025, the service will run daily from 1 November.

Etihad Airways is expanding operations to Milan with a third daily flight beginning 1 November 2025.

For more information, visit www.etihad.com

GET YOUR FREE GUIDE TO THE MALDIVES NOW