Etihad reports record nine-month profit of Dh1.7 billion amid rapid growth
Customer satisfaction hits record levels with new A321LR services
ABU DHABI – UAE’s national carrier Etihad Airways has delivered its strongest nine-month performance in history, reporting a profit after tax of Dh1.7 billion (US$ 463 million) for the first nine months of 2025, a 26 per cent increase year-on-year.
Total revenue for the period reached Dh21.7 billion (US$5.9 billion), up 18 percent compared with the same period last year. Passenger revenue climbed 20 percent to Dh18.2 billion (US$4.9 billion), driven by higher capacity and network expansion. Cargo revenue rose eight percent to Dh3.2 billion (US$875 million), reflecting increased volumes and improved capacity.
What drove passenger growth?
Etihad carried 16.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025, marking the highest number in its history. This represents an 18 percent year-on-year increase, supported by a 17 percent rise in capacity and a load factor of 88 percent, up one percentage point compared with the same period last year.
The airline’s network currently operates close to 300 passenger flights per day, covering over 100 destinations, of which 91 were operational by the end of September. In the third quarter, Etihad launched flights to Atlanta and Al Alamein, with additional routes to Salalah, Kazan, and Krakow announced. Over the past 12 months, 31 new destinations were either launched or announced, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a highly connected global hub.
How fleet expansion boosted operations
Etihad’s operating fleet reached 115 aircraft at the end of September 2025, an increase of 19 aircraft year-on-year. This includes the delivery of nine aircraft in Q3 alone: one A321LR in July followed by two more A321LRs, three Boeing 787s, two Airbus A350s, and one A320. The growth in fleet capacity contributed to a more than 20 percent increase in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) during the quarter, reflecting the airline’s strategic focus on scaling operations.
A milestone was also achieved in July when Etihad carried 20 million passengers on a rolling 12-month basis for the first time. The new A321LR fleet, which entered service on 1 August 2025 with its inaugural flight to Phuket, introduced premium cabin features such as private First suites and fully lie-flat Business seats in a 1-1 configuration, elevating single-aisle travel comfort across the region.
Financial performance
Etihad’s operating efficiency remained robust, with EBITDA rising 27 percent year-on-year to Dh4.3 billion (US$1.2 billion), boosting the EBITDA margin to 20 percent, up one percentage point. Operating cash flow exceeded Dh6 billion (US$1.5 billion), a more than 40 percent increase compared with last year, signalling strong liquidity and financial resilience.
The airline’s profit margin improved to 8 percent, up from 7 percent in the same period last year. These figures highlight Etihad’s ability to grow revenue while maintaining operational discipline and cost efficiency.
Enhanced customer experience
Customer satisfaction reached record levels throughout 2025, particularly in premium cabins. Net Promoter Scores (NPS) improved across all cabins, reflecting positive guest reception of the new A321LR fleet and other product enhancements. The airline was also named a Five-Star Global Airline for 2026 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), recognising its dedication to service excellence and innovation.
How network and partnerships expanded
Etihad continued to expand its network, adding more than 500,000 seats in Europe alone in 2025. The airline strengthened partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and expanded cargo operations with Atlas Air, supporting wider connectivity and service growth.
With 115 aircraft in operation, Etihad maintained over 100 destinations in its network, with a strong focus on Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia. The expansion underlines the airline’s commitment to making Abu Dhabi a global aviation hub and enhancing passenger choice across premium and economy segments.
Who drives Etihad’s growth?
Etihad’s performance is powered by its people. In the first nine months of 2025, the airline hired more than 2,600 new employees, including over 200 pilots and 1,500 cabin crew members. Over 1,500 employees were promoted during the same period, reflecting leadership development and strong performance across the organisation.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the significance of the results, stating that Etihad’s growth had outpaced the market, driving nearly half of the UAE’s total passenger growth. The results affirm the airline’s strategy, team strength, and the appeal of Abu Dhabi as a world-class travel destination.