Etihad now operates over 300 daily flights, with 20% year-on-year growth and nearly 90 destinations worldwide
Etihad Airways has achieved a major operational milestone, now operating 300 scheduled passenger flights daily, reflecting more than 20% year-on-year growth. The achievement reinforces Etihad’s status as one of the world’s fastest-growing full-service airlines, driven by sustained passenger demand, network expansion, and a growing fleet.
This significant growth underlines the airline’s strong performance across its global network, as well as its strategic focus on innovation, operational excellence, and guest experience.
Rapid Growth Trajectory Backed by Strong Demand
Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, credited the achievement to the airline’s strategic direction and dedicated workforce: “We are expanding destinations, our fleet, and our talented workforce towards our goal of making Etihad the airline everyone wants to fly. This milestone was made possible through our people’s dedication and the trust of our guests.”
In September 2025, Etihad carried 1.9 million passengers, a 21% increase compared with the same month in 2024, maintaining a high load factor of 89%. Across the first nine months of 2025, Etihad welcomed 16.1 million passengers, marking an 18% rise year-on-year.
Expanding Global Network and Modern Fleet
Etihad has launched or announced 31 new destinations in 2025, including Medan, Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, and Krabi, bringing its global network close to 90 destinations.
Its fleet has grown from 96 to 115 aircraft year-on-year, with recent additions including:
- Airbus A350s
- Boeing 787 Dreamliners
- Airbus A380s
- A321LRs with premium offerings such as private First Suites and lie-flat Business Class seats
This modernised fleet supports the airline’s vision of offering best-in-class passenger experiences, while maintaining operational efficiency and sustainability targets.
Enabled by Zayed International Airport and Emirati Talent Strategy
Etihad’s growth is supported by Zayed International Airport’s world-class infrastructure, which offers capacity for 45 million travellers annually and features advanced biometric systems that allow kerb-to-gate movement in just 12 minutes.
In parallel, the airline is continuing to invest in its people:
- 1,700 new employees welcomed in H1 2025
- Over 1,100 staff promotions
- Ongoing commitment to its UAE National Talent Strategy, which aims to double its Emirati workforce within five years
This talent investment reflects Etihad’s commitment to national development and its role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s growing position as a global aviation hub.
With robust growth figures, a dynamic route map, a modern fleet, and a skilled workforce, Etihad Airways is firmly positioning itself as a global aviation leader, delivering both operational excellence and elevated guest experience.
