Etihad Airways has soared to new heights, reporting a record net profit of Dh2.6 billion for 2025—a 47% jump from last year and the airline’s fourth straight year in the black. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier also unveiled plans for a massive Dh80 billion ($21.8 billion) investment over the next decade, aiming to expand and modernize its fleet while elevating products and services.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves revealed that Etihad will be taking delivery of about 20 new aircraft each year for the next five years, fueling an ambitious expansion strategy. The focus will be on fleet upgrades and service enhancements, all while maintaining disciplined financial management.
The airline’s growth is reflected in its numbers: passenger traffic surged 21% to 22.4 million travellers, making Etihad the fastest-growing full-service network airline worldwide. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), rose 21% to 111.5 billion, with the passenger load factor improving to 88.3%.
Total revenue climbed 21% to Dh30.7 billion, driven by strong gains in both passenger and cargo operations. Passenger revenue alone jumped 24% to Dh25.8 billion, while cargo revenue rose 8% to Dh4.5 billion, with volumes up 9% year-on-year.
Etihad’s operational performance was equally impressive. EBITDA grew by 37% to Dh6.3 billion, giving a healthy 20% margin. The airline generated nearly Dh8 billion in operating cash flow, fully funding its capital investments and enabling further debt reduction.
Chairman Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa credited the impressive results to effective strategy and execution, emphasizing Etihad’s role in boosting Abu Dhabi’s connectivity, tourism, and economic diversification.
The airline’s fleet also expanded to a record 127 aircraft after adding 29 new planes in 2025, solidifying Etihad’s position as a leader in the region’s aviation sector.
