Etihad Airways hits 300 daily flights as global expansion soars from Abu Dhabi
UAE airline expands to nearly 90 destinations amid record-breaking passenger growth
ABU DHABI – Etihad Airways has achieved a new milestone in its growth journey, now operating 300 scheduled passenger flights per day.
The achievement marks a significant rise in global operations, reflecting an impressive 20% year-on-year increase in daily flights – one of the fastest growth rates among full-service carriers worldwide. The airline now operates with a fleet of 115 aircraft, serving nearly 90 destinations and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s standing as a major global aviation hub.
Etihad’s growing network underscores its role as a connector of people and cultures while strengthening the UAE capital’s accessibility and influence on the international stage. This milestone caps a year of strong performance for the airline, propelled by sustained passenger demand, operational efficiency, and an ambitious expansion strategy.
Expanding horizons
Etihad’s growth has surged across every area of its operations. In September 2025, the airline carried 1.9 million passengers, a 21% increase compared with the same month last year, maintaining a robust 89% passenger load factor. Between January and September 2025, 16.1 million passengers travelled with Etihad – up 18% from the previous year.
The airline’s ability to expand while maintaining record levels of customer satisfaction remains a core success factor. Its Net Promoter Score, a key metric for measuring guest loyalty, continues to rank among the industry’s highest. Continuous enhancements across airport services, digital platforms, and onboard experiences reflect Etihad’s dedication to blending growth with luxury and seamless connectivity.
Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “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. We are expanding our destinations, our fleet, and our talented workforce — all towards making Etihad the airline everyone wants to fly.”
Network and fleet expansion
The 300 daily flights milestone comes during one of Etihad’s most transformative years. In September, the airline’s network capacity rose by 25% year-on-year, powered by a rapidly expanding fleet and a wave of new route launches.
So far in 2025, Etihad has launched or announced 31 new destinations, including Medan (Sumatra), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), and Krabi (Thailand), expanding its footprint to almost 90 cities. Europe has been a particular success story, with summer flights up 35% compared with 2024.
Etihad’s fleet has risen from 96 aircraft in September 2024 to 115 this year – a mix of cutting-edge wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, including A350s, 787 Dreamliners, and the return of two A380s. The introduction of the new A321LRs, featuring private First Suites and lie-flat Business Class seats, has elevated the travel experience on medium-haul routes and set a new benchmark in premium travel.
Gateway to growth
Etihad’s progress is closely linked to its home base at Zayed International Airport (ZIA), which supports the airline’s expanding network with advanced infrastructure and efficient passenger flow. Designed to handle 45 million passengers annually, the airport boasts 65 gates, state-of-the-art biometric systems, and an innovative 12-minute kerb-to-gate experience.
With its luxurious lounges and premium facilities, ZIA complements Etihad’s strategy of delivering world-class service at every stage of the journey. The airport’s seamless operations also reflect Abu Dhabi’s broader ambition to position itself as a global aviation and tourism hub, aligning national infrastructure with airline growth.
Driven by people
At the heart of Etihad’s growth story is its workforce. The airline welcomed 1,700 new employees in the first half of 2025 – including over 100 pilots and 1,000 cabin crew – while promoting 1,100 staff members across departments.
Earlier this year, Etihad introduced its UAE National Talent Strategy, designed to attract and nurture Emirati professionals across aviation, engineering, and management. The initiative includes specialised career tracks for pilots, engineers, airport managers, and corporate talent, spanning entry-level graduates to MBA professionals.
Over the next five years, Etihad plans to double its Emirati workforce, ensuring that the national carrier continues to reflect and empower the UAE’s talent and ambitions.