Profit after tax rose 47 per cent year-on-year, while the airline’s net profit margin climbed to 8.4 per cent — more than double the global airline average of 3.9 per cent projected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in its December 2025 estimates. The results mark Etihad’s fourth consecutive year of profitability, underscoring the sustained impact of its restructuring and growth strategy.
Total revenue increased 21 per cent year-on-year to Dh30.7 billion, driven by strong demand across both passenger and cargo segments. Passenger revenue rose 24 per cent to Dh25.8 billion, supported by network expansion, higher capacity, and robust travel demand.
Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves described 2025 as a defining year for the airline, highlighting consistent margin improvement and disciplined strategic execution. He noted that Etihad now ranks among the top 10 per cent of global airlines in terms of net margins and confirmed plans to invest Dh80 billion in new aircraft over the next decade. The airline expects to receive approximately 20 aircraft annually over the next five years, with a focus on fleet modernisation and product enhancements.
Chairman Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa said the results reflect the strength of the airline’s long-term strategy and its contribution to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s global connectivity and tourism growth.
Fastest-Growing Full-Service Network Carrier
Etihad carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, a 21 per cent increase year-on-year, positioning it as the fastest-growing global full-service network carrier in its category. Capacity expanded at a similar pace, while passenger load factor improved to 88.3 per cent, reflecting strong demand and efficient fleet utilisation.
The airline added 29 aircraft during the year, expanding its fleet to 127 — the largest in its history. Its route network grew to 110 destinations, up from 94 the previous year. Deliveries included the Airbus A321LR and A350, alongside Boeing 787 aircraft, as well as the reactivation of the Airbus A380.
Looking ahead to 2026, management signalled continuity rather than course correction, reaffirming commitment to the strategy introduced in early 2023 without major structural changes.
Strong Cash Generation and Disciplined Growth
The airline generated nearly Dh8 billion in operating cash flow in 2025, enabling it to fund fleet investments while continuing to reduce debt. Despite rapid expansion, Etihad emphasised that growth will remain disciplined and organically funded, ruling out acquisitions as part of its expansion strategy.
Addressing network performance, Neves stated that the airline does not operate loss-making routes. New destinations — which typically take up to two years to mature in the aviation sector — are now achieving profitability within their first year of operation. Strong performance in core markets such as Europe and India continues to support traffic flows to other regions, including the United States.
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Aviation Growth
Etihad also played a central role in the UAE’s aviation expansion, accounting for approximately 50 per cent of total passenger growth in the country during 2025. Point-to-point traffic to Abu Dhabi increased by 900,000 passengers year-on-year to 5.5 million, while the airline’s stopover programme recorded notable growth.
The record-breaking year not only cements Etihad’s financial turnaround but also reinforces its strategic importance in advancing Abu Dhabi’s ambitions as a global aviation and tourism hub.