UAE: Etihad hits record 20.3 million passengers in 12 months for the first time

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has achieved a major operational milestone, carrying over 20 million passengers in a 12-month span for the first time. The airline also posted strong growth in July 2025, supported by an expanding fleet and a broader destination network.

Strong monthly and year-to-date growth

Etihad Airways recorded a significant rise in passenger traffic in July 2025, flying 2.0 million passengers, a 19% increase from the 1.7 million carried during the same month in 2024. The airline’s passenger load factor—a key metric indicating how efficiently an airline fills available seats—climbed to 90%, up one percentage point from 89% in July 2024.

Over the first seven months of 2025, Etihad has transported 12.2 million passengers, reflecting a 17% year-on-year increase from the 10.4 million carried during the same period in 2024. The average load factor for the year so far has risen to 88%, compared to 86% in the equivalent period last year.

These figures underscore steady and sustained demand across the airline’s global network, contributing to its sharp rise in year-on-year performance.


Milestone achievement: 12-month passenger record
The airline’s rolling 12-month passenger total has reached 20.3 million, crossing the 20 million mark for the first time in its history. This achievement places Etihad firmly among the fastest-growing carriers in the region.

Commenting on the milestone, Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, highlighted the strength of demand and the airline’s ability to scale effectively. He noted the record July figures and emphasized the trust customers continue to place in the carrier's network and service offerings.

Fleet growth and new aircraft deliveries

Etihad’s operating fleet now consists of 111 aircraft, up from 94 in July 2024. This includes aircraft under short-term ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leases, and also freighter planes.

In July 2025 alone, the airline added five new aircraft, marking it as a record acquisition month. The additions included:

• 2 Boeing 787s
• 1 Airbus A350-1000
• 1 Airbus A320
• 1 Airbus A321LR — the airline’s first of this variant
  

The induction of the A321LR is a significant step in Etihad's fleet strategy, expanding range and efficiency in medium-haul operations. These new aircraft support the airline’s ongoing effort to enhance capacity and modernize its fleet while maintaining operational efficiency.

Network expansion and destination growth

Etihad has also continued to expand its global reach. As of July 2025, the airline now operates flights to 81 passenger destinations, up from 76 a year ago. The additional five destinations are a result of Etihad’s active network development strategy, which aligns with its growing fleet size and market demand.

This increase in destination count supports the overall upward trend in passenger numbers, offering more travel options across key markets in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and beyond.