Etihad Airways Reports Record Profit of 5 Million in 2025

Etihad Airways Reports Record Profit of $735 Million in 2025

February 25, 2026 Victoria Sterling -Business Editor Business

Etihad Airways has reported its strongest financial and operational performance on record for 2025, marking a fourth consecutive year of profitability. The Abu Dhabi-based airline posted a profit of AED 2.6 billion (approximately $704 million USD based on current exchange rates) after tax, a 47% increase year-on-year.

The results demonstrate a significant improvement in the airline’s financial health, with a profit margin reaching 8.4%, more than double the industry average of 3.9% as estimated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in December 2025, according to the airline’s statement.

Etihad carried 22.4 million passengers in 2025, representing a substantial 21% increase in operational capacity compared to the previous year. Total revenues also rose by 21% year-on-year, reaching AED 30.7 billion (approximately $8.34 billion USD).

The airline continued to bolster both point-to-point and stopover traffic to Abu Dhabi. Point-to-point passenger numbers increased by 900,000, rising from 4.6 million in 2024 to 5.5 million in 2025. The airline’s stopover program also experienced exceptional demand, attracting 170,000 visitors, more than double the 80,000 recorded in 2024.

Etihad expanded its network from 94 to 110 destinations, including seasonal routes and cargo operations, with further expansion planned over the next 12 months. The airline significantly increased its workforce, welcoming over 3,200 new employees and promoting approximately 2,200 staff across various levels. Priority was given to recruiting front-line staff, with around 1,600 cabin crew and nearly 400 pilots joining the company in 2025. Approximately 1,500 cabin crew and 150 pilots also received promotions during the year.

Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of Etihad Airways, stated that the airline’s record performance in 2025 “reflects the strength of its long-term strategy and the quality of performance delivered by the leadership team and the company’s employees.”

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, added that “2025 was a landmark year for the company, achieving our strongest performance ever across all key indicators and recording our fourth consecutive year of profitability.”

Etihad’s strong performance arrives amidst a period of robust recovery for the aviation industry, though challenges remain including geopolitical instability and fluctuating fuel prices. The airline’s success is particularly noteworthy given the competitive landscape in the Gulf region, where Emirates and Qatar Airways also report strong financial results.

Emirates Group, parent company of Emirates airline, reported a record profit of AED 22.7 billion (US$ 6.2 billion) for the financial year 2024-25, making it the most profitable aviation group globally. Emirates airline itself achieved a record profit before tax of AED 21.2 billion (US$ 5.8 billion). Dnata, the Emirates Group’s airport services division, also reported record profits, reaching AED 1.6 billion (US$ 430 million).

The Emirates Group’s revenue reached AED 145.4 billion (US$ 39.6 billion), a 6% increase over the previous year. The group also reported record cash assets of AED 53.4 billion (US$ 14.6 billion), a 13% increase year-on-year. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of the Emirates airline and Group, highlighted the success as a result of Dubai’s strong position as a global aviation hub.

The Emirates Group’s results include the impact of the UAE’s corporate tax, enacted in 2023, which resulted in a 9% tax charge. After accounting for this, the Group’s profit after tax was AED 20.5 billion (US$ 5.6 billion).

These results from both Etihad and Emirates underscore the strength of the UAE’s aviation sector and its growing importance as a global transit hub. The increased passenger numbers and revenue figures suggest continued strong demand for air travel, particularly in the Middle East. The expansion of both airlines’ networks and workforces indicates a commitment to future growth and a positive outlook for the industry.

The success of dnata, Emirates’ airport services arm, also points to the broader health of the aviation ecosystem, with increased demand for airport operations, air cargo, catering, and travel services. Dnata’s international businesses accounted for 75% of its total revenue, demonstrating its global reach and influence.