Etihad Airways Reports 19% Surge in Passenger Numbers for May 2025, Hits 100-Aircraft Fleet Milestone

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has reported strong growth in its latest traffic statistics for May 2025, highlighting continued momentum in passenger demand and fleet expansion.

The airline carried 1.7 million passengers in May, marking a 19% increase compared to May 2024. The passenger load factor also rose to 87%, up from 84% a year earlier—signaling efficient capacity utilization and sustained market demand.

In a significant operational milestone, Etihad’s active fleet reached 100 aircraft in May. This expansion supports the airline’s growing global network and commitment to enhanced service offerings.

Between January and May 2025, Etihad welcomed 8.4 million passengers onboard—a 17% year-on-year increase. The average load factor during this period remained steady at 87%.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, commented: “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.”

He added, “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.”