Abu dhabi: Etihad Airways carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, marking a 21 percent increase from the previous year and achieving the highest annual total in the airline's history. This growth was driven by sustained demand and strategic capacity expansion across its global network.

According to Emirates News Agency, the airline reported a passenger load factor of 88.3 percent for the full year, a two percentage point increase over 2024. This indicates strong commercial performance throughout the year. In December alone, Etihad transported 2.2 million passengers, a 28 percent rise compared to December 2024, with a load factor of 87.6 percent, showcasing high utilization during the peak travel period.

By the end of the year, Etihad's operating fleet expanded to 127 aircraft, with the addition of 29 aircraft in 2025, marking the largest single-year fleet growth in the airline's history. This included the introduction of the Airbus A321LR, aimed at extending Etihad's premium cabin offerings to a broader range of short- and medium-haul destinations, supporting further network expansion.

Etihad's growth in 2025 represented approximately half of the total passenger growth in the UAE, highlighting its pivotal role in supporting Abu Dhabi's tourism and economic goals. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, expressed satisfaction with the year's results, attributing the record December performance to customer confidence in Etihad's product and service. With its largest fleet to date, Etihad is poised to welcome more visitors to Abu Dhabi and enhance travel experiences across its expanding network.