Etihad Airways has reached a major milestone in its growth journey, now operating 300 scheduled passenger flights each day—its strongest performance since it first took off.
The achievement reflects over 20 per cent year-on-year growth in daily services, positioning the Abu Dhabi-based carrier among the fastest-growing full-service airlines worldwide.
Etihad operates all 300 flights as scheduled passenger services, strengthening its role in connecting people and cultures while advancing Abu Dhabi’s status as one of the world’s most connected and accessible cities.
Etihad milestone
Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are expanding the destinations we serve, the fleet we operate, and our talented workforce, all towards our goal of making Etihad the airline everyone wants to fly.
“This milestone reflects one of the fastest growth trajectories in the global airline industry, made possible by our people’s dedication and the trust of our guests.”
He added that Etihad’s sustained growth across all key metrics highlights the strength of its network and Abu Dhabi’s position as a global aviation hub.
“Our progress is efficient, sustainable and purposeful, driven by the dedication of our people and the continued trust of our guests.
“True to the meaning of our name, Etihad, which means union, we are committed to bringing people and possibilities closer together through seamless connectivity and world-class service.”
Record passenger growth
In September 2025, Etihad carried 1.9m passengers, a 21 per cent increase over the same month in 2024, while maintaining an 89 per cent load factor.
Across the first nine months of 2025, the airline flew 16.1m passengers, up 18 per cent year-on-year, reflecting sustained demand and effective network deployment.
The carrier continues to invest in guest experience while maintaining record satisfaction levels and a consistently high Net Promoter Score.
Continuous enhancements to airport services, digital platforms, and onboard products support Etihad’s commitment to pairing operational excellence with genuine hospitality.
Network and fleet growth
Etihad’s 300-flight milestone is underpinned by one of its most ambitious expansion years. In September 2025, network capacity rose 25 per cent year-on-year, supported by fleet growth and a wave of new route launches.
The airline has launched or announced 31 new destinations in 2025, including Medan (Sumatra), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Krabi (Thailand), bringing its global network to nearly 90 destinations.
Europe remains a key growth region, with flights across the continent up 35 per cent this summer versus 2024.
Etihad’s operating fleet has expanded to 115 aircraft, up from 96 a year earlier—its largest year-on-year increase.
The additions include new A350s, 787 Dreamliners, two returning A380s, and new A321LRs fitted with private First Suites and lie-flat Business Class seats, setting a new benchmark for premium narrow-body travel.
Zayed International Airport connectivity
Zayed International Airport (ZIA) supports Etihad’s growth with capacity for 45m passengers annually across 65 gates.
Advanced biometric systems and streamlined processes enable passengers to move from kerb to gate in as little as 12 minutes, while premium lounges and upgraded facilities enhance every stage of the journey.
Etihad success
Etihad hired 1,700 new employees in the first half of 2025, including more than 100 pilots and 1,000 cabin crew, and promoted over 1,100 team members.
Earlier this year, Etihad launched its UAE National Talent Strategy to attract and develop Emirati professionals across all divisions—from flight operations to corporate leadership.
The strategy includes dedicated career tracks for pilots, engineers, airport managers, and corporate talent, and aims to double the Emirati workforce within five years, ensuring UAE nationals remain central to the airline’s continued success.
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