Etihad Airways has reported its highest-ever half-year profit, posting net earnings of AED 1.1 billion (USD 306 million) for the first six months of 2025. The performance marks a 32 percent increase compared to the same period last year, driven by strong passenger demand, improved yields, and cost efficiency across both passenger and cargo operations. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier transported 10.2 million passengers in the first half of the year, a 17 percent rise from the corresponding period in 2024.
Passenger load factor improved to 87 percent, supported by a 14 percent increase in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK). Total revenue grew by 16 percent year-on-year, fueled by a balanced increase in both passenger and cargo revenues. EBITDA rose 24 percent to AED 2.7 billion (USD 739 million), with the EBITDA margin reaching 20 percent. The airline attributed its performance to sustained recovery in international travel and disciplined network and fleet expansion. As of June 2025, Etihad operated a fleet of more than 100 aircraft.
In April, it took delivery of its sixth Airbus A350, followed by the reintroduction of its seventh Airbus A380 in May. July saw the addition of five new aircraft, including the airline’s first A321LR, setting a new monthly record for fleet deliveries. In May, Etihad signed an agreement with Boeing for 28 wide-body aircraft, part of a long-term fleet development program. The airline also introduced a new A321LR product in April, bringing wide-body premium features to narrow-body routes.
Etihad achieves historic profit and revenue growth
The aircraft entered commercial service in early August, launching with a flight to Phuket. Etihad’s network growth continued at pace, with the carrier serving nearly 90 destinations as of mid-year, including a combination of year-round and seasonal routes. In total, 27 new destinations have been launched or announced in 2025, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a growing global hub for passenger connectivity. The airline reported that it passed the milestone of 20 million passengers over the previous 12 months in early July, doubling the figure recorded in 2022.
The growth comes amid strong recovery in global aviation traffic and a stable operational environment, despite temporary regional disruptions earlier in the year. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, said the airline’s expanding network is enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global accessibility and its position as a key stopover and destination hub. Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the results reflect the success of Etihad’s business execution and the contribution of its workforce.
Passenger milestones align with fleet expansion
The airline also continued to invest in talent, with over 1,700 new employees hired in the first half of the year. This included more than 100 new pilots and over 1,000 cabin crew. Internally, Etihad promoted more than 1,100 staff members during the same period. Employee engagement reached its highest recorded level, according to internal metrics. Etihad’s latest financial disclosure follows a period of strategic operational focus that has resulted in consistent performance improvements over recent quarters.
The airline has emphasized disciplined cost management, network optimization, and premium customer offerings as key levers in maintaining profitability. No plans for an initial public offering have been announced, though company executives indicated in recent remarks that Etihad is financially equipped to fund its long-term expansion independently. The airline’s capital investment program over the next decade is valued at approximately USD 20 billion. The first-half results underscore Etihad’s continued recovery following the pandemic-related downturn in global aviation, positioning the airline among the leading carriers in the Gulf region for growth and profitability in 2025. – By Content Syndication Services.