Etihad Airways Profit Jumps Nearly 50% as Travel Demand Stays Strong

Post by : Saif

Etihad Airways has reported a sharp rise in profit, showing strong recovery and growth in the global travel industry. The airline announced that its net profit increased by nearly 50% last year, reaching $698 million. This strong result reflects rising passenger demand, expansion of its fleet, and the launch of new international routes.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025. This marks a 21% increase compared to the previous year. The company said that higher flight capacity and better service helped attract more travelers across different markets.

Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said the airline’s success is the result of several combined efforts. According to him, the company has invested heavily in improving customer experience, upgrading products, and increasing flight capacity. These steps helped meet the growing demand for air travel.

One key factor behind the strong performance is the airline’s expanding fleet. In 2025, Etihad added 29 new aircraft. These included planes delivered by Boeing and Airbus, along with the return of the large A380 aircraft to service. By the end of the year, the airline’s fleet had grown to 127 aircraft.

The airline’s load factor, which measures how full flights are, reached 88% last year. This means that most seats were filled on many flights. The CEO said that in early 2026, the airline is already seeing many days where flights are 90% full. This shows that travel demand remains strong in both economy and premium classes.

Premium travel demand has been especially encouraging. More passengers are choosing higher-priced seats, which improves airline revenue. At the same time, economy class demand remains steady, showing that the broader travel market is healthy.

Etihad also expanded its network by launching new routes in 2025. New destinations included Prague, Hanoi, and Hong Kong. These additions helped connect more regions and attract new customers. The company noted that some of these newer markets performed better than expected and matured faster than planned.

Looking ahead, Etihad plans to continue expanding in Asia and Europe. The airline aims to grow its presence in China and Southeast Asia, while also strengthening its European network. These regions are important for business and tourism travel.

However, the airline industry continues to face challenges. Aircraft deliveries have been delayed worldwide. Boeing has dealt with production and safety issues, while Airbus has faced supply chain problems. These issues have slowed aircraft deliveries for many airlines.

Despite these industry challenges, Etihad expects around 20 more aircraft deliveries this year, mostly from Airbus. The company is also working to keep its aircraft upgrade program on schedule. Upgrading aircraft interiors helps improve passenger comfort and overall service quality.

Etihad’s strong financial performance highlights the broader recovery of global air travel. After years of uncertainty and disruptions, airlines are now seeing steady growth. Demand for international travel has returned, and airlines are investing to meet this need.

The company’s growth strategy shows confidence in the future of aviation. By expanding its fleet, improving service, and entering new markets, Etihad aims to strengthen its position among leading global airlines.

The results also reflect the importance of Abu Dhabi as a major travel hub. As passenger numbers rise and connections increase, the region benefits from tourism, trade, and economic growth.

In simple terms, Etihad’s strong profit growth shows that people are traveling again in large numbers. With more aircraft, more routes, and high seat occupancy, the airline appears well-positioned for continued growth in the coming year.

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