Etihad Airways begins 2026 with 2.2 million guests and expanding global network
New routes to Luxembourg and Calgary announced
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways welcomed 2.2 million passengers in January, marking a 29 percent increase compared with the 1.7 million guests carried in January 2025.
The latest traffic statistics signal a robust start to 2026, extending the strong momentum that defined a record-breaking year for the Abu Dhabi-based carrier.
Passenger load factor reached 89.9 percent for the month, up from 89.1 percent a year earlier, reflecting sustained demand across the airline’s expanding network and continued efficiency in capacity management.
Strong demand
The near-90 percent load factor highlights the airline’s ability to grow while maintaining high seat occupancy. Maintaining load factors above 89 percent even as capacity increases has been a key feature of Etihad’s performance over the past year.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said January had been a strong opening month for 2026, with demand remaining high and the airline’s product resonating with customers. He added that the dedication of the airline’s teams was evident in every flight.
Neves noted that sustaining such load factors while expanding capacity reflects the strength of the network and Abu Dhabi’s rising appeal as both a destination and a global gateway.
Expanding network
At the start of 2026, Etihad’s operating fleet stood at 127 aircraft, including freighters and short-term aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance leases. The airline’s network spans 110 destinations worldwide, including seasonal and cargo routes, as well as destinations scheduled to begin operations within the next 12 months. Charter destinations are excluded from this figure.
Of those 110 destinations, 93 were operated during the month of January, underlining the breadth of the airline’s current schedule.
The carrier also announced new services to Luxembourg and Calgary in January. Both cities will, for the first time, have a direct air link to Abu Dhabi, further strengthening connectivity between the UAE capital and key markets in Europe and North America.
Fleet growth
The 127-aircraft fleet includes passenger aircraft and freighters, supporting both Etihad’s commercial operations and its cargo activities. The inclusion of ACMI leases provides additional flexibility as the airline adjusts capacity to match demand patterns across its global network.
With rounded figures reflecting January’s performance, the data points to sustained growth at the beginning of 2026, driven by rising passenger numbers, high seat occupancy and the continued expansion of routes linking Abu Dhabi to major international destinations.