Source : WAM
Etihad Airways has marked an exceptional year, securing more than 25 prestigious international awards in 2025, with accolades covering every element of the guest journey, from cabin design and onboard dining to safety standards and operational excellence.
Capping off the year, Etihad became just the fourth airline worldwide and the first in the region to receive the Seven-Star Plus Safety Rating from Airline Ratings, the highest distinction within the globally recognised safety assessment system.
Earlier this month, the airline achieved notable success at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony in Bahrain, winning three top global honours: World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience, World’s Leading Airline Economy Class, and World’s Leading Airline Lounge – Business Class for its Premium Lounge at Zayed International Airport.
Etihad also dominated the Middle East World Travel Awards in October, earning five regional titles. These included Middle East’s Leading Airline for Customer Experience and Economy Class, along with awards for Best Inflight Entertainment, Best Business Class Lounge, and Best Cabin Crew. The cabin crew accolade highlighted the dedication and professionalism of Etihad’s frontline teams.
Further recognition came from APEX, which awarded Etihad Five Star Global Airline status for 2026, placing it among a select group of elite global carriers. Meanwhile, the AirHelp Score 2025 ranked Etihad second worldwide with an impressive score of 8.07 out of 10, reflecting a significant nine-place improvement year-on-year. The ranking assessed airlines across punctuality, customer satisfaction, and claims processing in more than 60 countries.
Airline Ratings also listed Etihad among the world’s top five safest full-service airlines, while Airline Economics named it Aviation 100 MAE Airline of the Year 2025 at the Growth Frontiers Dubai event.
These achievements coincide with Etihad’s continued multi-billion-dollar investment in enhancing the customer experience across its operations. The airline’s focus on continuous improvement has driven increases in its Net Promoter Score for three consecutive years, underscoring rising guest satisfaction and loyalty.
In 2025, Etihad introduced several product innovations, including the Airbus A321LR, which brings lie-flat seating and premium service to mid-range routes. Its flagship A380 continues to feature The Residence, the only three-room suite in commercial aviation, offering a unique luxury experience.
Operating from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, widely recognised as one of the world’s finest—Etihad delivers a seamless travel experience supported by world-class lounges and advanced terminal facilities.
Skytrax awarded Etihad Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East, recognising its commitment to high-quality dining. Business Traveller Middle East further honoured the airline with awards for Best Cabin Crew and Best Economy Class.
Additional accolades included the Best in Seat Comfort Award in the Middle East from APEX Future Travel Experience EMEA, while The Design Air named Etihad Design Airline of the Year Middle East, celebrating its distinctive interior aesthetics.
Etihad’s attention to thoughtful design was also recognised through multiple awards for its amenity kits and cabin products. PAX International Awards honoured the Warner Bros. Superheroes children’s amenity kit and the airline’s cabin interiors, while the TravelPlus Awards recognised the same children’s kit for passengers aged six and above.
The Onboard Hospitality Awards awarded gold status to Etihad’s limited-edition First Class amenity kits, designed to celebrate the airline’s 20th anniversary. The airline was also recognised for its innovative Economy Self-Securing Blanket and Large Pillow, enhancing comfort on long-haul flights.
Further honours included Customer Experience Initiative of the Year at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards, and Best Business Continuity Management Organisation of the Year for the GCC at the DRI ASEAN Awards, highlighting Etihad’s strong operational resilience.
Etihad’s cargo division also received recognition, winning the Customer Centricity in B2B award for the Middle East at the Customer Centricity World Series. The STAT Times International Awards for Air Cargo Excellence further honoured the division with Air Cargo Operator of the Year for Logistics Middle East and the Innovative Logistics Solutions in Air Cargo Award.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said, “Winning over 25 international awards in a single year is extraordinary recognition of our entire Etihad family’s passion and commitment to excellence. From the World Travel Awards to APEX Five Star status, from Skytrax to AirHelp’s global rankings, these honours reflect our dedication to delivering exceptional experiences across every cabin, every route and every part of our guests’ journeys.
