Etihad Airways has reported its strongest half-year results in history, achieving record levels of profits and passenger numbers in the first six months of 2025. The airline’s net profit after tax reached 1.1 billion dirhams (approximately 306 million USD), reflecting a 32% increase compared to the same period last year.
This growth was fueled by robust and increasing demand for passenger services, along with enhanced productivity and efficiency, leading to improved revenues in both passenger and cargo sectors. Total revenues surged by 16% year-on-year, driven by a 16% rise in passenger revenue and a 9% increase in cargo revenue.
The financial performance remained strong, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) climbing 24% year-on-year to reach 2.7 billion dirhams (739 million USD), and the profit margin improved to 20%.
During the first half, Etihad transported 10.2 million passengers, a 17% increase compared to the previous year, supported by a 14% rise in available seat kilometers and an 87% improved passenger load factor. By early July, the airline had carried over 20 million passengers in a 12-month period, effectively doubling the number of travelers recorded in 2022.
The operational fleet has surpassed 100 aircraft, including the receipt of the sixth Airbus A350 in April and the return to service of the seventh Airbus A380 in May.
In the same month, the airline announced a deal to purchase 28 wide-body aircraft from Boeing, which supports Etihad’s aspirations for sustainable growth and long-term network expansion. By July 2025, the fleet witnessed the largest expansion in the company’s history with the addition of five new aircraft, including the first Airbus A321LR, marking the highest number of aircraft received in a single month.
Etihad introduced its new Airbus A321LR in April 2025, becoming the first carrier in the region to provide a full first-class experience on a single-aisle aircraft. The aircraft entered service in early August with its inaugural flight to Phuket.
This expansion enables Etihad to serve nearly 90 destinations starting June 2025, including year-round locations and seasonal routes.
Gateway for Travelers
Mohammed Ali Al Shurafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, expressed pride in the airline’s role in establishing Abu Dhabi as one of the most connected and accessible cities globally, highlighting that the 27 new destinations launched or announced this year contribute to enhanced direct connections and stopover opportunities in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a major gateway for millions of travelers worldwide.
Antoun Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, noted that the strong financial performance and continuous growth in passenger numbers reflect the success of the airline’s strategy and the dedication of its staff. He stated that the company is expanding sustainably, attracting unprecedented numbers of visitors to Abu Dhabi through its growing network.
In the first half of 2025, more than 1,700 new employees joined the Etihad family, including over 100 pilots and nearly 1,000 cabin crew members. The internal job growth momentum was significant, with over 1,100 employees promoted across various departments, and employee engagement reached an all-time high, reflecting the team’s commitment and professionalism.
Exceptional Results
During a virtual media briefing, Neves shared that the airline is on track for exceptional results in 2025, forecasting that passenger numbers will exceed 21.5 million by the end of the year.
He elaborated on Etihad’s diverse operational model, which relies on a broad network of destinations across continents, safeguarding the company from dependence on any single market.
Neves also discussed advancements in onboard connectivity and Wi-Fi, noting the goal of providing internet speeds of up to 100 megabits per second across all Etihad aircraft within two to three years.
Regarding the potential for an initial public offering (IPO), he stated that the company is ready to go public at any time, although the decision rests with the shareholders.
He also touched upon the company’s plans in payment technology, indicating achievements over the past two years aimed at simplifying payment processes, and announced that Etihad Airways will soon accept cryptocurrencies as a payment method, converting them immediately to avoid price volatility.