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Etihad Airways carried 2.0 million passengers in Oct 2025
Etihad Airways carried 2.0 million passengers in October 2025, a 28% increase compared with the same month last year. Oct 24 Oct 25 Variance 2024 YTD 2025 YTD YTD variance Passengers 1.6 million 2.0 million +28% 15.2 million 18.1 million +19% Passenger load factor 87% 88% +1pp 87% 88% +1pp Operating fleet size 97 120 +23 Network destinations 87 114 +27 Year-to-date, Etihad has now carried 18.1 million passengers, representing 19% growth over the first ten months of 2024. The airline maintained an 88% passenger load factor in October and year-to-date, demonstrating effective capacity management alongside rapid expansion. Etihad's operating fleet reached 120 aircraft by month-end, with a network comprising over 100 destinations, of which 96 were operated in the month. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "October's exceptional 28% passenger growth accelerates the momentum we built through the first nine months of the year. With our fleet reaching 120 aircraft and a network of more than 100 destinations, we're seeing the full impact of our strategic expansion. As we enter the final stretch of 2025, our operational performance and sustained high load factors give us confidence in delivering a landmark year for Etihad.”
Etihad Guest Introduces Full Flexible Option Across Every Seat Onboard
Etihad Guest, the award-winning loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, has significantly enhanced its exclusive member experience by allowing every seat to be purchased with miles, and with different layers of flexibility. GuestSeat awards will now be branded as ‘Saver Award’ and provide a low starting price for redemption tickets. These updates are designed to provide members with greater flexibility, transparency, and value when booking flights with Etihad Guest Miles, aligning with Etihad’s commercial fares. Mark Potter, Managing Director Etihad Guest, said: “Etihad Guest is designed to reward loyalty, and these changes ensure our members enjoy even greater flexibility and transparency when redeeming their miles. Saver Award seats highlight the exclusive value our members deserve, with more ways to tailor their travel to their needs and flexibility across every seat.” The rebrand reflects a more intuitive and relatable way for members to recognise the exclusive value of booking seats at fixed mileage rates. Saver Award seats remain available exclusively to Etihad Guest members offering exceptional value by providing access to every seat at fixed redemption rates. The Saver Award can be redeemed across Etihad’s rapidly expanding network and more than 26 partners, the largest global partnership and frequent flyer network of any non-allied airline; this will soon include Hong Kong Airlines following the signing between the two carriers last week when Etihad launched its route from Hong Kong to Abu Dhabi. In line with the airline’s commercial fares, Etihad Guest will now offer different attributes for guests to choose from, including the option for their award ticket to be fully refundable. In addition, members now can earn Tier Miles on redemption bookings for Comfort and Deluxe fares, starting from 25% up to 50% across all cabins, making it easier for members to progress up through the Etihad Guest tiers faster. Etihad Guest members booking Business Comfort and Business Deluxe awards will now enjoy complimentary Etihad Chauffeur services anywhere within the UAE, regardless of tier status. Finally, UAE-issued co-brand credit card vouchers are now redeemable across all fare brands, increasing the value of the programme for UAE residents and offering members greater opportunities to travel.
Etihad Delivers Record Nine-Month Profit of U.S.D 463 million
Etihad Airways has continued its record-setting performance, achieving its strongest nine-month results in history and sustaining growth across all core business areas. The performance highlights the airline’s growth, rising customer satisfaction, and continued efficiency improvements. Profit after tax reached AED 1.7 billion (U.S.$ 463 million) for the first nine months of 2025, up 26 per cent compared to the same period last year, lifting the airline’s profit margin to 8 per cent, compared to 7 per cent for the same period last year. Total revenue rose 18 per cent year-on-year to AED 21.7 billion (U.S.$ 5.9 billion), supported by strong performance across both passenger and cargo segments. Passenger revenue increased 20 per cent year-on-year to AED 18.2 billion (U.S.$ 4.9 billion), reflecting the airline’s increased capacity and enhanced network. Cargo revenue grew 8 per cent to AED 3.2 billion (U.S.$ 875 million), driven by improved capacity and higher volumes (+6 per cent year-on-year). Operating performance remained robust, with EBITDA increasing 27 per cent year-on-year to AED 4.3 billion (U.S.$ 1.2 billion), translating to an improved EBITDA margin of 20 per cent, +1pp compared to the same period last year. Strong cash generation continued, with operating cash flow reaching nearly AED 6 billion (more than U.S.$ 1.5 billion), an increase of more than 40 per cent compared to last year. Etihad carried 16.1 million passengers in the first nine months of 2025 – the highest ever in its history – an 18 per cent increase year-on-year, supported by a 17 per cent rise in capacity and a higher load factor of 88 per cent (+1pp year-on-year). Customer satisfaction continued to rise throughout 2025, with Net Promoter Scores (NPS) improving across all cabins and reaching record levels in premium. The new A321LR fleet has been particularly well received by guests, setting a new benchmark for comfort and service on narrow-body aircraft. “Etihad’s performance this year has set a new benchmark, outpacing the market and driving nearly half of the UAE’s total passenger growth,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “It’s a clear validation of our strategy, the strength of our team, and the appeal of Abu Dhabi as a world-class destination. We’re expanding, elevating the guest experience, and maintaining our focus on efficiency and performance. “I want to thank every member of our team for their contribution to these results, and our guests for their continued support. Their trust and enthusiasm inspire us to deliver extraordinary experiences every day.” Etihad’s operating fleet reached 115 aircraft at the end of September 2025, an increase of 19 year-on-year, marking one of the busiest delivery periods in the airline’s history. During the third quarter, Etihad added nine aircraft – its first Airbus A321LR in July, followed by two more A321LRs, three Boeing 787s, two Airbus A350s and one A320 – driving a more than 20 per cent increase year-on-year in Available Seat Kilometres (ASK) for the quarter. At the start of July, the airline also reached a major milestone, carrying 20 million passengers on a rolling 12-month basis for the first time in its history. The new A321LR fleet entered service on 1 August 2025 with its inaugural flight to Phuket, bringing wide-body luxury to narrow-body operations for the first time in the region. The aircraft features private First suites, fully lie-flat Business in a 1-1 configuration, and enhanced design across all cabins, setting a new standard for comfort and service on single-aisle routes. Etihad’s expanding fleet enabled it to continue building network scale and connectivity, operating close to 300 passenger flights per day, while the network comprised over 100 destinations, of which 91 were operated as of 30 September. In the third quarter, the airline launched inaugural flights to Atlanta and Al Alamein, and announced new destinations to Salalah, Kazan, and Krakow, further strengthening its reach across the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia. In Europe alone, Etihad has added more than 500,000 seats in 2025, reinforcing its role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s inbound tourism growth. In total, 31 new destinations have been launched or announced over the last 12 months, underscoring Etihad’s commitment to making Abu Dhabi one of the most connected cities in the world. Etihad continued to improve operational efficiency, while enhancing the guest experience. Customer satisfaction also reached record levels in 2025, reflecting continued investment in product, service and innovation. The airline was named a Five-Star Global Airline for 2026 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), recognising its commitment to service excellence and innovation. During the period, Etihad also strengthened its partnerships and brand presence, including the launch of loyalty partnerships with Vietnam Airlines and an expanded cargo partnership with Atlas Air. Etihad’s continued performance is driven by the dedication of its people. In the first nine months of 2025, the airline added more than 2,600 new employees, including over 200 pilots and 1,500 cabin crew, reflecting the pace of growth across its network and fleet. Over the same period, over 1,500 employees were promoted, recognising strong performance and leadership across the organisation. Highlights Profit after tax reached AED 1.7 billion (U.S.$ 463 million), up 26 per cent year-on-year with profit margin at 8 per cent Total revenue grew by 18 per cent year-on-year to AED 21.7 billion (U.S.$ 5.9 billion), driven by both passenger and cargo business Passenger revenue rose 20 per cent, reaching AED 18.2 billion (U.S.$ 4.9 billion) supported by increased capacity, network enhancement and strong demand Cargo revenue rose by 8 per cent, reaching AED 3.2 billion (U.S.$ 875 million) driven by increased capacity and volumes Strong revenue performance and operational efficiency boosted the EBITDA by 27 per cent year-on-year to AED 4.3 billion (U.S.$ 1.2 billion), lifting EBITDA margin to 20 per cent (+1pp year-on-year) Strong operating performance confirmed by remarkable cash flow generation, with cash flow from operation reaching almost AED 6 billion (more than U.S.$ 1.5 billion), marking an increase of more than 40 per cent year-on-year Customer satisfaction continues to improve across all cabins, particularly in premium cabins following the introduction of the new A321LR fleet Capacity and volumes continue to expand with ASK growing by 17 per cent year-on-year and passengers carried by 18 per cent per cent year-on-year (reached 16.1 million in the first nine months of 2025), with passenger load factor at 88 per cent (+1pp year-on-year) Fleet expansion drove operating fleet to 115 aircraft as of September 2025, +19 aircraft compared to the same period last year, with approximately half of the year-on-year fleet growth coming from Q3’25 deliveries, including new A321LR, A350 and B787 deliveries Strong network with more than 100 destinations, including 91 operated in the period, with 31 new destinations launched or announced in the last 12 months 9M 2025 9M 2024 9M 2025 9M 2024 Variance (AED million unless otherwise stated) (U.S.$ million unless otherwise stated) Year-on-year Main financial KPIs Revenues 21,681 18,368 5,904 5,001 18% Passenger 18,159 15,176 4,945 4,132 20% Cargo 3,215 2,968 875 808 8% EBITDA 4,335 3,417 1,180 931 27% Profit after tax 1,702 1,351 463 368 26% EBITDA Margin (%) 20% 19% +1pp Profit Margin (%) 8% 7% +1pp 9M 2025 9M 2024 Variance Year-on-year Main operating KPIs ASK (bn) 80.2 68.2 17% Passenger number (m) 16.1 13.6 18% Passenger load factor (%) 88% 87% +1pp Network destinations 112 86 +26 Total landings (‘000) 76 66 14% Operating fleet 115 96 +19 Cargo tonnes (leg tonnes '000) 509 482 6%
Etihad Airways Launches Flights to Medina
Etihad Airways has commenced flights from Abu Dhabi to Medina this week, further expanding the airline’s strong footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and enhancing travel options for guests across religious, business and leisure segments. The resumed direct service connects Abu Dhabi with Medina, one of the most spiritually significant cities in the world and a key destination for visitors performing religious travel throughout the year. The route will support growing demand from pilgrims and travellers across the world seeking seamless connections to the Kingdom’s holy city. Medina becomes the latest addition to Etihad’s operations in the Kingdom, reinforcing the UAE’s national carrier as a major facilitator of travel to and from Saudi Arabia. With the launch of flights to Medina, Etihad will operate 93 flights per week to five cities across the Kingdom, flying four times per day to Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, and three services per week to Al Qassim. This expansion is part of Etihad’s ambitious growth strategy, announcing 31 new destinations in a year. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “The launch of Medina reflects our commitment to strengthening connectivity from Abu Dhabi to Saudi Arabia, one of our most important markets. Medina carries profound cultural and spiritual significance for millions of people, and we are honoured to provide convenient travel through Abu Dhabi to this culturally and spiritually important city. With this new route, we look forward to supporting religious travel and providing guests with greater access, choice and convenience through our home in Abu Dhabi.” Etihad will operate five weekly flights to Medina using its Airbus A321 aircraft, increasing to six weekly flights later this year. The service provides a smooth and comfortable journey for guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and the Kingdom, offering Etihad’s welcoming hospitality across both Business and Economy cabins. Medina welcomes millions of visitors annually to experience its deep-rooted Islamic heritage, historic mosques, and serene atmosphere. Travellers can explore sites of profound religious significance, vibrant local markets, and the city’s contemporary cultural attractions. Visitors connecting from Etihad’s extensive network onwards to Medina, can take advantage of a complimentary Abu Dhabi Stopover, with two free nights in one of Abu Dhabi’s top hotels. Abu Dhabi offers a blend of enriching culture, modern architecture, and world-class entertainment, including the spectacular Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Beyond the mosque, the UAE’s capital offers a dynamic range of attractions on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Team Labs Phenomena to the beautiful beaches or many theme parks. With Abu Dhabi’s strategic location, guests flying from Medina can also enjoy smooth connections to Etihad’s extensive network across Asia, Australia and Europe. Etihad’s Expanding Footprint The launch of Medina marks an important milestone in Etihad’s growth strategy, as the airline significantly expands its network across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. In October, the UAE’s national carrier inaugurated flights to Sumatra (Medan), Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, and Krabi, while this November the airline has already launched flights to Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hong Kong and Tunis. Flight schedule Flight Number Departure Airport Departure Time Arrival Airport Arrival Time Frequency Aircraft EY631 AUH 08:55 MED 10:50 Tue, Thu, Sat A321 EY632 MED 15:40 AUH 18:55 Tue, Thu, Sat A321 EY633 AUH 14:30 MED 16:25 Wed, Fri A321 EY634 MED 20:25 AUH 00:10 Wed, Fri A321
Etihad Airport Services rebrands as Velora
Jubran AlBreiki, Chief Executive Officer of Velora. Image Courtesy: Velora Velora unifies the Ground Handling, Cargo & Logistics, and Security Services of Etihad Airport Services under a single brand Builds on long-standing legacy of Etihad Airport Services, Velora will continue to play a central role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s airports and strengthening the Emirate’s position as a leading global aviation hub Etihad Airport Services (EAS), which Ground Handling, Cargo & Logistics, and Security Services has rebranded under a single identity, Velora. The launch marks an important milestone in the evolution of Abu Dhabi’s aviation services, reflecting a strategic move towards greater integration, efficiency, and customer focus. Velora brings together these essential service areas under one platform to deliver end-to-end aviation solutions that drive performance, innovation, and service quality. The unified brand embodies a forward-looking approach designed to optimise operations, enhance connectivity across business lines, and service excellence to partners and customers. Jubran AlBreiki, Chief Executive Officer of Velora, said: “The launch of Velora marks a significant milestone as we build on four decades of excellence established by Etihad Airport Services. By uniting our different services under one brand, we aim to enhance every journey for our guests and partners, set new benchmarks in operational excellence, and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s growth as a leading aviation hub.” Building on EAS’ long-standing legacy, Velora will continue to play a central role in supporting Abu Dhabi’s airports and strengthening the Emirate’s position as a leading global aviation hub. The company remains committed to advancing the sector through operational excellence, innovation, and a culture of continuous improvement that aligns with Abu Dhabi’s wider economic ambitions. Under its new identity, Velora oversees daily operations across multiple business divisions, supported by a diverse and highly skilled workforce of more than 5,000 professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional service and reliability.
Etihad Cargo expands reach in Southeast Asia via partnership with Teleport
Southeast Asian integrated logistics specialist Teleport recently signed a partnership with Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways. The agreement was signed on Monday, 3rd November, at Air Cargo Southeast Asia, marking another collaboration milestone in the strategic partnership between Etihad Cargo and Teleport, which currently operates a successful joint freighter deployment from Ho Chi Minh City. This partnership with Capital A’s logistics arm aims to expand Etihad Cargo’s Southeast Asia network with the launch of a new freighter deployment from Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Commencing during the winter 2025 season, the service will operate two weekly flights utilising Airbus A321F aircraft, adding an additional 50 tonnes of cargo capacity per week. A better way to service key markets Operating via Abu Dhabi, the new service will provide seamless main deck connections to Etihad Cargo’s global network, including key markets in the Middle East, Europe and the Americas. The launch follows Etihad Airways’ recent introduction of passenger services to Phnom Penh using the airline’s new Airbus A321LR, which has seen strong cargo performance since inception, with consistently high utilisation. The additional freighter capacity will cater to Cambodia’s growing import and export markets, supporting key verticals such as garments, electronics, perishables and pharmaceuticals, and providing customers with improved access to Etihad Cargo’s global network via Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways’ chief cargo officer Stanislas Brun said of the launch: “The launch of dedicated freighter deployments from Phnom Penh further strengthens Etihad Cargo’s presence in Southeast Asia and demonstrates our commitment to supporting the region’s dynamic trade flows. In partnership with Teleport, this new route provides much-needed additional capacity, connecting Cambodia’s exporters to key global markets and enhancing connectivity across our expanding network.” Meanwhile, Teleport’s chief business officer Jan Philipp Pöter commented: “Our long standing partnership with Etihad Cargo has grown significantly from our interline cooperation in 2022, to deploying our freighters between Saigon and Kuala Lumpur in 2024 and extending services to Phuket in 2025. Today, we are expanding these freighter programmes further across Southeast Asia, a testament to the combined agility of our partnership, enabling us to launch new routes faster and effectively respond to market needs. This progression demonstrates Teleport’s commitment to going beyond traditional partnerships, ensuring our partners never fly empty while creating mutual growth across both networks.” The introduction of the Phnom Penh freighter deployment sees Etihad Cargo expand its dedicated freighter network while also optimising bellyhold capacity across its passenger fleet. By enhancing connectivity and offering flexible, reliable solutions, Etihad Cargo continues to support customers in accessing global markets with confidence and efficiency.
Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways relaunch codeshare partnership
Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways announced the relaunch of their codeshare partnership, alongside the signing of their first-ever loyalty programme reciprocity agreement. The renewed alliance further strengthens the strategic ties between the two carriers, offering travellers an even broader and more flexible range of travel options. Given that the inaugural codeshare flight between Abu Dhabi and Hong Kong took off on Monday, 3rd November, the two airlines are leveraging their complementary network strengths to deliver more seamless connectivity. Passengers can now enjoy convenient connections via Hong Kong on Hong Kong Airlines to popular Asian destinations, or via Abu Dhabi on Etihad Airways to destinations across the Middle East and beyond, enhancing travel links between Asia, the Middle East, and the wider world. Hong Kong Airlines executive vice-president Louis Li said of the new agreement: “This partnership marks an important milestone in Hong Kong Airlines’ return to the international market. The expansion of our codeshare and the launch of a reciprocal loyalty programme not only benefit travellers from both airlines but also lay the foundation for deepened commercial collaboration.” Li explained that Hong Kong Airlines’ relationship with Etihad Airways began in 2014 through codeshare cooperation and has remained strong ever since. He added: “In recent years, we have observed growing travel demand from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to Hong Kong and other major Asian cities. As the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi plays a vital role in facilitating trade and economic ties between Hong Kong and the Middle East. We are confident that this renewed partnership will create significant commercial opportunities for both airlines and deliver greater convenience and value to business and leisure travellers alike.” For his part, Etihad Airways chief revenue and commercial officer Arik De remarked: “This partnership delivers meaningful value to Etihad Guest members through full earn-and-redeem access across Hong Kong Airlines’ network, complemented by codeshare connectivity to high-demand Japanese destinations. It underscores our commitment to providing our loyal guests with greater flexibility, broader reach, and superior rewards.” What the new agreement entails Under the new codeshare arrangement, Hong Kong Airlines places its HX code on Etihad Airways-operated flights between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi. In return, Etihad Airways places its EY code on Hong Kong Airlines-operated flights between Hong Kong and Japan, covering key leisure destinations including Fukuoka, Sapporo, Okinawa and Osaka. In addition, Hong Kong Airlines and Etihad Airways will introduce a reciprocal loyalty programme in the coming months. This will allow members of Hong Kong Airlines’ Fortune Wings Club (FWC) and Etihad Airways’ Etihad Guest to seamlessly earn and redeem miles when travelling across both carriers’ networks. FWC members will be able to earn Fortune Wings Club reward and status points when flying on Etihad Airways-operated services between Hong Kong and Abu Dhabi, while Etihad Guest members flying on designated Hong Kong Airlines services will also earn Etihad Guest miles and tier miles.
Etihad Opens Four New Gateways to Africa and Asia
Etihad Airways has marked another milestone in its record year of growth, launching four inaugural routes to Tunis, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong within three consecutive days. The new services further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a hub and gateway to the UAE, supporting inbound tourism and trade while delivering nearly 45% of the UAE’s total aviation growth this year. As Etihad continues to expand its network, the airline is adding thousands of new seats to and from Abu Dhabi, making it easier for travellers from Africa and Asia to experience the city’s cultural landmarks, pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and year-round calendar of events. The routes also give UAE residents and visitors more choice for travel across key leisure and business destinations. New routes from Abu Dhabi: Tunis (1 November, three weekly flights): Strengthening Etihad’s North African network and supporting growing demand for travel between the UAE and Tunisia. Hanoi (2 November, six weekly flights): Linking Abu Dhabi directly to Vietnam’s capital for the first time, enhancing trade and tourism ties between the two nations. Chiang Mai (3 November, four weekly flights): Opening Northern Thailand to travellers from the Middle East and Europe through Abu Dhabi. Hong Kong (3 November, five weekly flights): Reconnecting Abu Dhabi with one of Asia’s premier business and leisure centres, alongside the relaunch of Etihad’s codeshare with Hong Kong Airlines for enhanced connectivity across Asia. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Each of these destinations adds its own character to our network – from Tunis’s heritage to Hanoi’s vibrancy, Chiang Mai’s charm and Hong Kong’s global energy. Together, they expand options for our guests while bringing more visitors to discover Abu Dhabi – one of the world’s most exciting cities. As we continue to deliver almost half of the UAE’s aviation growth this year, our focus remains on connecting more people, cultures, and opportunities through our home in Abu Dhabi.” The four new routes bring Etihad’s network to more than 85 destinations, underscoring its pivotal role in connecting Abu Dhabi to the world and driving tourism and economic growth for the UAE. Flight Schedules Abu Dhabi – Tunis (from 1 November 2025) Flight Number Departure Airport Departure Time Arrival Airport Arrival Time Frequency Aircraft EY739 Abu Dhabi 02:20 Tunis 06:20 Tue, Thu, Sat A321LR EY740 Tunis 10:40 Abu Dhabi 19:25 Tue, Thu, Sat A321LR Abu Dhabi – Hanoi (from 2 November 2025) Flight Number Departure Airport Departure Time Arrival Airport Arrival Time Frequency Aircraft EY430 Abu Dhabi 09:05 Hanoi 18:10 Tue, Thu, Sun B787 EY431 Hanoi 20:00 Abu Dhabi 00:35 (+1) Tue, Thu, Sun B787 EY432 Abu Dhabi 20:50 Hanoi 05:55 (+1) Wed, Fri, Sun B787 EY433 Hanoi 07:40 Abu Dhabi 12:15 Mon, Thu, Sat B787 Abu Dhabi – Chiang Mai (from 3 November 2025) Flight Number Departure Airport Departure Time Arrival Airport Arrival Time Frequency Aircraft EY426 Abu Dhabi 21:20 Chiang Mai 06:05 Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun A321LR EY427 Chiang Mai 08:50 Abu Dhabi 13:05 Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat A321LR Abu Dhabi – Hong Kong (from 3 November 2025) Flight Number Departure Airport Departure Time Arrival Airport Arrival Time Frequency Aircraft EY870 Abu Dhabi 21:15 Hong Kong 08:30 Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun B787 EY871 Hong Kong 19:35 Abu Dhabi 00:25 (+1) Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat B787
Thailand welcomes Etihad Airways’ inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi to Chiang Mai
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) welcomed the inaugural Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai flight earlier today, 4th November. This initial flight marks a milestone in TAT’s Airline Focus strategy to strengthen Thailand’s international air connectivity. At the same time, this new route adds momentum to Thailand’s high season and reflects the success of TAT’s partnerships with leading global carriers in positioning Thailand as a quality destination and regional aviation hub. Flight EY426 landed at Chiang Mai International Airport at 06.05 Hrs. and was greeted with a water salute and Thai-style cultural welcome ceremony. The event was led by TAT deputy governor for policy planning Chuwit Sirivajjakul and Chiang Mai’s deputy governor Weerapong Ritrod, together with TAT executives and local partners from the public and private sectors. Passengers received souvenirs as part of the warm hospitality extended to mark the occasion. A notable achievement for the Airline Focus strategy According to Sirivajjakul, the launch of Etihad Airways’ Abu Dhabi–Chiang Mai service represents a key achievement under TAT’s Airline Focus strategy and demonstrates the strength of Thailand’s aviation partnerships. He explained: “This connection enhances access to Northern Thailand for travellers from the Middle East, while also enabling long-haul visitors from Europe and the Americas to experience the region’s rich culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. It underscores our Value over Volume approach, focusing on quality tourism and high-spending markets.” The new service expands TAT’s partnership with Etihad Airways, following the successful launch of the airline’s Abu Dhabi–Krabi route in early October. Operating four flights per week with an Airbus A321LR offering 160 seats, the route provides travellers from the Middle East and beyond with greater convenience and seamless access to Thailand’s northern region. It also supports time-efficient multi-destination itineraries such as Krabi–Bangkok–Chiang Mai or Chiang Mai–Phuket–Dubai. The service marks a milestone for Chiang Mai International Airport as its longest direct route to date at 4,612 kilometres, surpassing the previous record held by the Chiang Mai–Kansai service at 3,979 kilometres. A link to one of the country’s biggest source markets The Middle East remains one of Thailand’s fastest-growing source markets, comprising travellers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries which are known for high income levels and a preference for family, wellness, and luxury travel. Between 1st January and 31st October of this year, Thailand welcomed over 679,924 visitors from the region, with arrivals projected to exceed 850,000 by year-end. Middle Eastern travellers have an average stay of ten days and spend around 100,000 Baht per trip, underscoring the region’s importance to Thailand’s quality tourism strategy.
Etihad Airways marks record with 300 Daily Passenger Flights
Etihad Airways has reached a new milestone in its growth story, now operating 300 scheduled passenger flights per day. This achievement is underpinned by strong growth in 2025, highlighted by an over 20% year-on-year increase in daily flights, positioning Etihad among the fastest-growing full-service airlines globally. It reflects the airline’s strongest performance to date, driven by operational excellence, sustained passenger demand, and continued network expansion. All 300 daily flights are scheduled passenger services, underscoring Etihad’s role in connecting people and cultures while advancing Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s most connected and accessible cities. Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Chief Operations and Guest Officer at Etihad Airways, said: “We are expanding the destinations we serve, the fleet we operate, and our talented workforce, all towards our goal of making Etihad the airline everyone wants to fly. This milestone reflects one of the fastest growth trajectories in the global airline industry, made possible by our people’s dedication and the trust of our guests. I would like to thank each of our guests who travelled on one of our 300 daily flights for being part of this remarkable journey.” “Year-on-year growth across all key metrics reflects the strength of our network and Abu Dhabi’s growing position as a global aviation hub. Our progress is efficient, sustainable and purposeful, driven by the dedication of our people and the continued trust of our guests. True to the meaning of our name, Etihad, which means union, we are committed to bringing people and possibilities closer together through seamless connectivity and world-class service.” Expanding in Every Dimension Etihad’s growth extends across its operations, network, and guest experience. In September 2025, the airline carried 1.9 million passengers, a 21% increase compared with the same month last year, maintaining a strong 89% passenger load factor. In the first nine months of 2025, Etihad has flown 16.1 million passengers, up 18% year-on-year, demonstrating sustained demand and effective network deployment. Etihad’s expansion continues to be matched by its investment in guest experience. The airline has maintained record levels of customer satisfaction, with a consistently high Net Promoter Score that reflects its ability to uphold exceptional standards even as it grows. This performance is supported by continuous enhancements to airport services, digital platforms and onboard products, reaffirming Etihad’s commitment to combining operational excellence with world-class hospitality and to creating memorable journeys for its guests. Network and Fleet Expansion The 300 daily flights milestone has been driven by one of Etihad’s most ambitious years of expansion. In September, the airline’s network capacity rose by 25% year-on-year, supported by fleet growth and a series of new route launches across key markets. The airline has launched or announced 31 new destinations in 2025, including Medan (Sumatra), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) and Krabi (Thailand), bringing its global network to nearly 90 destinations. Europe has been a key growth market, with flights across the continent up 35% this summer compared with last year. Etihad’s operating fleet has grown to 115 aircraft, up from 96 in September 2024, reflecting one of the airline’s strongest years of expansion. This growth includes new A350s, 787 Dreamliners, the return of two additional A380s, and the airline’s new A321LRs, featuring private First Suites and lie-flat Business Class seats that elevate the travel experience on medium-haul routes and set a new benchmark for premium narrow-body travel. Our Gateway to Growth Etihad’s growth has been supported by its home at Zayed International Airport (ZIA), which provides the efficiency and modern infrastructure needed to support the airline’s expanding operations. With capacity for 45 million passengers a year and 65 gates, the airport’s advanced biometric systems and streamlined processes allow guests to move from kerb to gate in as little as 12 minutes. Exceptional lounges and premium facilities enhance every stage of the journey, enabling Etihad to deliver seamless travel as it grows its global network. Powered by People Etihad’s growth is powered by its people, whose expertise and commitment ensure the highest standards of safety, service, and performance across the airline’s global network. From operations in the air in Etihad’s modern cabins to operations on the ground in hangars and airport terminals, every team plays a vital role in delivering Etihad’s success. The airline welcomed 1,700 new employees in the first half of 2025, including more than 100 pilots and 1,000 cabin crew, while over 1,100 employees were promoted across the business. Earlier this year, Etihad launched its UAE National Talent Strategy to attract the brightest Emirati professionals across all areas of the business. The strategy includes specialised tracks for pilots, engineers, airport managers, and corporate talent, from fresh graduates to MBA holders. Over the next five years, Etihad aims to double its Emirati workforce, ensuring they play a vital role in their national carrier’s continued growth and success.
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