May-24

May-25

2024 YTD

2025 YTD

Passengers

1.5 million

1.7 million

7.2 million

8.4 million

Passenger load factor

84%

87%

85%

87%

Operating fleet size([1])

90

100

  

Passenger destinations

68

72

  
     

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has released its latest traffic statistics for May 2025, highlighting continued expansion and customer demand.

The airline carried 1.7 million passengers in May, representing a 19% increase compared to the same month last year. This continued growth reflects the airline’s strategic expansion and strong market positioning. Passenger load factor climbed to 87%, up from 84% in May 2024, reinforcing Etihad’s ability to optimise capacity while maintaining high demand.

Etihad’s operating fleet now stands at 100 aircraft, supporting its growing network and service enhancements. In the first five months of 2025, 8.4 million travellers have flown with Etihad, a 17% rise from the same period in 2024, with the airline maintaining an impressive 87% average passenger load factor.

Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO, 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 8 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.”

For further details:
Duty Media Officer
Etihad Airways
Email: dutymediaofficer@etihad.ae

About Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world’s leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. Together with Etihad’s codeshare partners, Etihad’s network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. To learn more, visit etihad.com.

Note: ([1]) Excluding short-term aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance ("ACMI") leases. Operating fleet includes 5 freighters.