Etihad Airways has achieved its best-ever half-year results, posting record profits and passenger volumes for the first six months of 2025. The figures highlight the airline’s strong momentum across network growth, operational efficiency, and customer service enhancements.
Profit after tax reached AED 1.1 billion (USD 306 million), marking a 32% increase on the same period last year. This was underpinned by strong customer demand, greater efficiency, and stronger returns in both passenger and cargo operations. Overall revenue rose 16% year-on-year, with passenger revenue increasing by 16% and cargo by 9%.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) climbed 24% to AED 2.7 billion (USD 739 million), with the EBITDA margin improving to 20%, one percentage point higher than 2024.
Passenger numbers reached 10.2 million in the first half of 2025, up 17% compared to last year, supported by a 14% increase in available seat kilometres and a load factor of 87%. In July, Etihad surpassed 20 million passengers over the previous 12 months, doubling its 2022 total and confirming its place as the region’s fastest-growing airline.
Fleet expansion continued, with the carrier surpassing 100 aircraft in operation. Recent milestones included the delivery of its sixth Airbus A350 in April, the return of a seventh A380 in May, and a landmark order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft. July saw the addition of five new jets, including Etihad’s first A321LR – the highest number of aircraft deliveries in a single month for the airline.
Etihad’s new A321LR product, unveiled in April, entered service in August on its Phuket route. The aircraft offers first-class suites and lie-flat business seats, introducing wide-body levels of comfort to narrow-body flights.
As of June, Etihad serves nearly 90 destinations, with 27 new routes announced or launched in 2025. This expansion strengthens Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global hub.
“With 27 new destinations launched or announced this year alone, Etihad is proud to help position Abu Dhabi as one of the most accessible and connected cities in the world. This growth not only strengthens point-to-point and stopover opportunities but also enhances Abu Dhabi’s role as a gateway for millions of global travellers.”
His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways.
Customer satisfaction scores also rose, with improvements across airport services, onboard experience, and digital offerings. The airline’s First Class Net Promoter Score remained at 80, its highest-ever level and among the best in the industry, while unit costs were kept stable despite service upgrades.
“We are proud to deliver another record half-year for Etihad. Our strong financial performance and continued passenger growth demonstrate the success of our strategy and the dedication of our people. We are expanding sustainably, investing in premium experiences, and bringing record numbers of visitors to Abu Dhabi through our growing network.
We are already ahead of the growth levels we set in our strategy, we remain focused on execution, and we are committed to expansion built on efficiency, service, and innovation. With new aircraft joining the fleet, new routes opening, and our premium offering flourishing, Etihad is setting new standards in aviation. None of this would be possible without the passion and professionalism of our employees, and I want to thank them for their outstanding contribution.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways.
The airline’s success has been supported by its people. In the first half of 2025, Etihad recruited over 1,700 new staff, including more than 100 pilots and 1,000 cabin crew, and promoted over 1,100 employees internally. Staff engagement reached its highest-ever level, reflecting the team’s commitment and energy.
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