Aviation Etihad passengers up 17% as fleet and route networks grow By Pramod Kumar June 13, 2025, 3:35 PM Alamy Algiers is one of 12 new destinations that Etihad has started flying to since May 2024. Others include Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Phnom Penh, Taipei and Tunis 8.4m passengers from January to May Load factor up from 84% to 87% Operating fleet grew to 100 aircraft Passenger numbers on Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways rose 17 percent year on year in the first five months of 2025 as the Emirati carrier increased its fleet and route network. The total number of Etihad passengers carried from January to May reached 8.4 million, according to a statement. The average passenger load factor increased to 87 percent from 84 percent the previous year. Operating fleet size increased to 100 aircraft by the end of May compared to 90 a year ago. Passenger destinations reached 72, up from 60 from May 2024. Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said that the rolling 12-month figure stands at almost 20 million, with route network and fleet expansion expected in the coming months. Etihad comfortable with Boeing deliveries as profit rises ‘I expect more Europeans to come’: Etihad chief shrugs off tariffs Etihad IPO likely to attract ‘significant’ investor interest Last month Etihad, which is considering selling shares to the public, posted a net profit of AED685 million ($187 million) in the three months to March 31. This was up by one-third compared with the same period last year. The airline has an additional 94 jets on order, comprising a mix of Airbus and Boeing models. This month Neves said the airline has no plans to invest in Indian airlines but is exploring partnerships with Indian carriers. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
