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Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways posts record profit in first quarter of 2025
The airline carried 5 million passengers, a 16 per cent increase year-on-year
- PUBLISHED: Wed 21 May 2025, 10:03 AM
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways on Wednesday announced a record after-tax first-quarter profit of Dh685 million, an increase of 30 per cent, on the back of higher passenger numbers.
The national carrier’s revenues grew 15 per cent year-on-year, reaching Dh6.6 billion, driven by both passenger and cargo businesses. It carried 5 million passengers, a 16 per cent increase year-on-year, with load factor improving to 87 per cent.
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Operating flights to 80 destinations by March 2025, the airline earlier said it would add 16 new destinations in 2025.
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“We’re executing a clear strategy – grow sustainably, operate efficiently, and never lose focus on delivering remarkable experiences to our guests. From continued refinements to our onboard offering to improved airport services and the debut of our A321LR with a market-leading narrowbody product, we’re raising the bar in every part of the journey,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.
“Our network continues to expand with 16 new routes announced for 2025 and additional aircraft joining our fleet. As we grow, we remain disciplined and focused on quality, efficiency, and creating value for our customers and stakeholders,” he said.
Last week, Etihad confirmed an order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft. The agreement includes a mix of Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, powered by GE engines and supported by a services package. These aircraft are expected to join the fleet from 2028 onwards and will support its existing plans for growth in connectivity, operational efficiency, and guest experience.
UAE’s aviation has been witnessing exceptional growth as airports and airlines continue to report record numbers.
Earlier, Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates also reported record profits for 2024-25 while Dubai Airports handled 23.4 million passengers during Q1 2025 with January witnessing the highest monthly traffic ever recorded by Dubai International Airport (DXB).
In a statement on Wednesday, it said strong revenue and cost efficiencies boosted EBITDA by 32 per cent year-on-year to Dh1.4 billion.
Cash flow from operation stood at Dh1.8 billion, an increase of 11 per cent year-on-year.
Etihad expanded its First Class to more routes and preparing new ground and inflight services for rollout in August. In April, the airline introduced its new A321LR cabin, becoming the first in the region to offer First Class on a single-aisle aircraft. The cabin features private First suites and lie-flat Business seats, bringing widebody comfort to medium-haul routes.
In April, Etihad took delivery of another A350-1000, with another Boeing 787 Dreamliner to follow. These new aircraft feature ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi and updated inflight entertainment systems.
