Etihad Airways eyes 21.5 million passengers in 2025 as fleet grows

Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, has announced its target of serving 21.5 million passengers by the end of 2025, as it accelerates the expansion of its global operations with the addition of 18 new aircraft to its fleet.

The Abu Dhabi-based airline currently operates a fleet of between 115 and 120 aircraft — a number expected to grow as new deliveries are integrated throughout the year. Its network is approaching 100 destinations worldwide.

This expansion supports Etihad’s broader plan to increase its fleet to 200 aircraft and raise its annual passenger capacity to 38–39 million by 2030, strengthening its position as a key player in the highly competitive global aviation market.

The 18 new aircraft — expected to include a mix of long-haul and short-haul models — will help Etihad meet rising demand across key markets in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

The airline has already resumed or launched new routes to cities including Boston, Osaka, Nairobi, and Copenhagen in recent months, and is exploring additional gateways in underserved or high-growth regions.

Etihad’s growth strategy aligns with the UAE’s broader economic diversification goals under Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, which positions aviation as a critical pillar for advancing tourism, trade, and connectivity.