Etihad Airways has delivered its strongest financial performance in history, reporting a record profit after tax of Dh2.6 billion for 2025 — a 47 per cent increase year-on-year — as the Abu Dhabi-based carrier accelerates its expansion strategy on the back of surging global travel demand.
Record Numbers Across Every Metric
Total revenue climbed 21 per cent year-on-year to Dh30.7 billion, driven by strong growth across both passenger and cargo operations. Passenger numbers rose 21 per cent to 22.4 million, positioning Etihad as the fastest-growing global full-service network carrier in the world. The airline’s passenger load factor reached 88.3 per cent, reflecting disciplined capacity management alongside robust demand.
The carrier’s net profit margin stood at 8.4 per cent — more than double the global airline industry average of 3.9 per cent, according to IATA‘s December 2025 estimates. It marks Etihad’s fourth consecutive year of profitability.
A Dh80 Billion Bet on the Next Decade
CEO Antonoaldo Neves confirmed plans to invest Dh80 billion over the next 10 years in new aircraft purchases and product development, with approximately 20 aircraft to be delivered per year over the next five years.
The airline expanded its fleet to 127 aircraft in 2025, the largest in its history, and grew its network to 110 destinations, up from 94 the previous year.
Contribution to the UAE’s Aviation Growth
Etihad accounted for approximately 50 per cent of total passenger growth in the UAE during 2025, reinforcing its strategic importance in advancing Abu Dhabi’s ambitions as a global aviation and tourism hub.
With nearly Dh8 billion in operating cash flow and a recently upgraded Fitch credit rating of AA-, Etihad enters 2026 with strong financial foundations and a clear mandate for continued, organically funded expansion.
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