Etihad Airways has delivered its best half-year performance to date, achieving record profitability and passenger growth in the first six months of 2025.
Profit after tax reached AED 1.1 billion (US$306 million), a 32% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven by strong customer demand, efficiency improvements, and higher yields across both passenger and cargo operations. Total revenue rose 16% year-on-year, with passenger revenue up 16% and cargo revenue increasing 9%.
Financial performance remained robust, with EBITDA rising 24% year-on-year to AED 2.7 billion (US$739 million), and the EBITDA margin improving to 20%.
Etihad carried 10.2 million passengers in H1 2025, a 17% increase year-on-year, supported by a 14% rise in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) and a passenger load factor of 87%.
In early July, the airline surpassed 20 million passengers over the past 12 months, doubling the 10 million carried in 2022. The operating fleet exceeded 100 aircraft, including delivery of the sixth Airbus A350 in April and the reintroduction of a seventh A380 in May.
In the same month, Etihad announced an agreement for 28 wide-body aircraft with Boeing, reinforcing its long-term growth and connectivity ambitions. In July 2025, the airline added five new aircraft, including its first A321LR, marking the largest number of deliveries in a single month in its history.
In April 2025, Etihad launched its new A321LR product, bringing wide-body luxury to narrow-body operations for the first time in the region. The aircraft began service in early August with its inaugural flight to Phuket.
This expansion allows Etihad to serve nearly 90 destinations as of June 2025, including year-round and seasonal routes.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, said, “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.”
“We are proud to deliver another record half-year for Etihad,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “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 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.”
Etihad’s record performance has been powered by its people. In H1 2025, the airline welcomed over 1,700 new hires, including more than 100 pilots and 1,000 cabin crew.
Internal career growth was also strong, with over 1,100 promotions across the business. Employee engagement reached its highest-ever level, reflecting the professionalism, passion, and dedication of the Etihad team.
“Finally, I want to thank our customers. We look forward to welcoming even more of you onboard in the months ahead,” Neves said.
(Inputs from WAM)
