Abu Dhabi's Etihad labelled "fastest...

May 2025 passenger numbers up almost 20% as fleet hits 100 aircraft

Abu Dhabi's national airline Etihad Airways claims to be the fastest-growing Middle East carrier by reporting an almost 20% rise in monthly carryings.

The UAE carrier, which recently posted its highest-ever profits and passenger numbers, flew 1.7 million passengers in May 2025 to give a rolling annual total of almost 20 million.

The 19% year-on-year growth in May came as Etihad expanded its fleet to 100 aircraft operating from its hub in Abu Dhabi.

Etihad reported flying 8.4 million passengers in the first five months of the year, up 17% from the same period in 2024, with the airline maintaining an 87% average passenger load factor.

The May load factor of 87% compared with 84% a year earlier, “reinforcing Etihad’s ability to optimise capacity while maintaining high demand”.

CEO Antonoaldo Neves said: "We saw a pleasing continued growth in our momentum, with May’s passenger numbers growing by 19% year-on-year, underlining our position as the fastest-growing Middle East airline.

“Our year-to-date results show more than eight million customers have flown with us in 2025, and our rolling 12-month figure now stands at almost 20 million, a testament to the trust placed in Etihad’s service.

“We reached an exciting milestone in May as our fleet number reached the 100 mark.

“As we continue expanding our route network and growing our fleet in the coming months, our focus remains on delivering a seamless and exceptional customer experience.”

Etihad is on track to achieve record numbers in 2025, with profits and passenger numbers already reaching record highs in the first quarter of 2025. Profit surged 30% to reach a record US$187 million (AED686 million), passenger numbers topped 5 million, up 16%, and revenue rose 15% compared to Q1 2024.

For more information, visit www.etihad.com

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE 76-PAGE CONNECTING TRAVEL INSIGHT REPORT TODAY