Etihad Airways Achieves Record Net Profit of AED 2.6 Billion in 2025, Marking Best Financial and Operational Performance

Abu Dhabi | EcoPulse24

Etihad Airways has announced its strongest financial and operational performance in history in its 2025 annual results, marking its fourth consecutive profitable year. This reflects the airline's robust expansion strategy and a recovery in the aviation sector outpacing the global industry average.

Net profit after tax reached AED 2.6 billion ($698 million), up 47% year-on-year, with a profit margin of 8.4% - more than double the global airline industry average of 3.9%, according to IATA's December 2025 estimates.

The airline carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, with operational capacity growing 21% year-on-year. Available seat kilometers reached 111.5 billion, highlighting network expansion and enhanced connectivity through Abu Dhabi.

Total revenues rose 21% to AED 30.7 billion ($8.4 billion), driven by strong growth in both passenger and cargo segments. Passenger revenues reached AED 25.8 billion (up 24%), while cargo revenues grew 8% to AED 4.5 billion compared to the previous year.

Operationally, EBITDA increased by 37% to AED 6.3 billion, with a margin of 20%. Operating cash flow was about AED 8 billion, enabling full funding of capital expenditures and continued deleveraging of the balance sheet.

In December 2025, Etihad received a second consecutive credit rating upgrade from Fitch to -AA, leading the airline industry globally in public credit rating.

CEO Antonoaldo Neves described 2025 as a pivotal year for the company, achieving record results across all key indicators, with a sustained focus on sustainable growth and operational efficiency.

Chairman Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa highlighted that these record results reflect the strength of the airline's long-term strategy and institutional performance, underscoring its vital role in supporting Abu Dhabi's tourism, trade, and economic ambitions.

Etihad's growth in 2025 accounted for around 50% of the total increase in passenger numbers in the UAE, with direct and transit passenger traffic through Abu Dhabi rising from 4.6 million in 2024 to 5.5 million in 2025. The stopover program attracted 170,000 visitors, up from 80,000 the previous year.

The year saw Etihad's largest-ever expansion, adding 29 new aircraft for a total operating fleet of 127. The network grew from 94 to 110 destinations, including seasonal and cargo routes, and flight numbers increased from 90,000 to over 105,000.

The workforce was strengthened with over 3,200 new employees and around 2,200 promotions, including 1,600 cabin crew and nearly 400 new pilots. The workforce now includes talent from 152 nationalities.

These results underscore Etihad's transition from recovery to accelerated growth, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a major aviation and travel hub in the region.