Photo: Shutterstock Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has released its air traffic report for May 2025, highlighting another significant growth trend and sustained demand. The company continues to establish itself as one of the top-performing airlines globally.
In May alone, the airline flew 1.7 million passengers, a 19% increase compared to May 2024, when 1.5 million passengers traveled. The passenger load factor rose to 87%, up from 84% the previous year, showcasing Etihad's ability to efficiently manage capacity while maintaining high demand.
8.4 million passengers in the first five months of the year
Since the start of 2025, 8.4 million passengers have flown with Etihad, marking a 17% increase from the same period last year (7.2 million). During this time, the airline maintained an impressive average occupancy of 87%.
Etihad's active fleet now consists of 100 aircraft, including 5 cargo planes. This number does not include short-term leases (ACMI).
"20 million passengers in a year – proof of trust in us"
Etihad's CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, stated: "We continued to see satisfying growth in our momentum, with a 19% increase in passenger numbers in May compared to last year. This strengthens our position as the fastest-growing airline in the Middle East. Since the beginning of the year, more than 8 million customers have flown with us, and our cumulative passenger numbers over the past 12 months are approaching 20 million."
The CEO added: "We reached an exciting milestone as our fleet reached 100 aircraft. As we continue to expand our network and grow in the coming months, our focus will remain on creating an outstanding customer experience."
It should be noted that Etihad Airways has shown outstanding performance in 2025, with record-breaking results in the first quarter of the year.
The UAE company reported a net profit of 685 million dirhams (187 million dollars) – a remarkable 30% increase compared to the same period last year, maintaining strong operational profitability and a profit margin of 10%.
This marks the most profitable quarter in Etihad's history, solidifying its status as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative airlines in the world.