Summary: Etihad Airways reported a record AED 2.6 billion profit for 2025, alongside 22.4 million passengers, a fleet of 127 aircraft and network growth to 110 destinations.

Etihad Airways profit for 2025 reached a record AED 2.6 billion (U.S. $698 million), the carrier said, marking its strongest financial and operational year and the fourth consecutive year of profitability. The airline reported 22.4 million passengers in 2025, a 21% year-on-year increase, and significant gains across revenue, capacity and load factor.

Key financial and operational highlights

Etihad said capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), rose 21% to 111.5 billion, while passenger load factor improved by two percentage points to 88.3%. Total revenue climbed 21% to AED 30.7 billion (U.S. $8.4 billion).

  • Profit after tax: AED 2.6 billion (U.S. $698 million)
  • Passengers: 22.4 million (up 21% year-on-year)
  • Total revenue: AED 30.7 billion (U.S. $8.4 billion)
  • Passenger revenue: AED 25.8 billion (U.S. $7.0 billion, up 24%)
  • Cargo revenue: AED 4.5 billion (U.S. $1.2 billion; volumes >700,000 leg tonnes)

Profitability, margins and cash flow

EBITDA increased 37% year-on-year to AED 6.3 billion (U.S. $1.7 billion), delivering a 20% EBITDA margin. Net profit margin rose to 8.4%, well above the IATA December 2025 industry average net profit margin of 3.9%. Cash flow from operations reached almost AED 8.0 billion, supporting capital expenditure and lower leverage.

Etihad aircraft taxiing at Abu Dhabi airport reflecting fleet growth and route expansion
Etihad expanded to a fleet of 127 aircraft and grew its network to 110 destinations during 2025

Leadership response

“2025 has been a defining year for Etihad, delivering our strongest performance across every key metric and marking our fourth consecutive year of profitability. These results confirm that our strategy is working – growing sustainably, strengthening our financial position, and continuing to deliver a high-quality experience for our guests.”

Antonoaldo Neves thanked guests and staff for their role in the airline’s performance and reiterated plans to build on the momentum into the future.

“I would like to sincerely thank our guests for choosing Etihad and trusting us with their journeys, and to thank our people across the airline for their commitment, professionalism and pride in what they do. Their passion for delivering extraordinary experiences has been central to our success during a year of significant growth, and to our ability to welcome more people to Abu Dhabi.”

Network, fleet and traffic growth

During 2025 Etihad expanded its operating fleet to 127 aircraft, the largest in its history, adding 29 aircraft. The network increased from 94 to 110 destinations and total annual landings rose from 90,000 to more than 105,000. Point-to-point traffic to Abu Dhabi reached 5.5 million passengers, up from 4.6 million the previous year.

  • New routes in 2025 included Atlanta, Prague, Warsaw, Addis Ababa, Phnom Penh, Hanoi and Hong Kong
  • Stopover programme guests doubled to 170,000 visitors
  • Etihad accounted for roughly 50% of the UAE's passenger growth in 2025

“Etihad’s record 2025 performance reflects the strength of its long-term strategy and the quality of execution delivered by its leadership and people. As the national airline of the UAE, Etihad plays a central role in advancing Abu Dhabi’s global connectivity, tourism growth and economic diversification, supporting the emirate’s long-term ambitions.”

In December 2025 Fitch upgraded Etihad’s credit rating to AA-, the highest publicly available rating among global airline peers, underlining improved financial resilience.

Product, awards and workforce

Etihad invested in customer experience upgrades, including fully lie-flat seating on the A321LR, improved onboard dining, refreshed amenity kits and expanded First cabin services. The carrier reported a 10% year-on-year rise in Net Promoter Score and received more than 25 international awards for service and safety. In January 2026 Etihad was ranked number one among the world’s safest full-service airlines by AirlineRatings.

The airline added over 3,200 employees and promoted around 2,200 staff in 2025, recruiting roughly 1,600 cabin crew and almost 400 pilots. The workforce spans 152 nationalities and the airline announced major aircraft orders in May and November 2025 to support future growth.

Why this matters: Etihad’s strong results signal healthier competition and greater connectivity for travellers. For the aviation industry, the airline’s improved margins, fleet orders and credit rating point to greater financial stability and capacity to support tourism and trade to and from Abu Dhabi and the wider region.