Dhaka: Etihad Airways has reached a milestone of operating 300 scheduled passenger flights per day, marking a more than 20pc year-on-year increase and positioning it among the fastest-growing full-service carriers globally.

The airline said its 2025 growth has been driven by sustained passenger demand, operational efficiency, and network expansion.

In September alone, Etihad carried 1.9 million passengers, up 21pc year-on-year, with a strong 89% load factor. Year-to-date, it has flown 16.1 million passengers, an 18pc increase from the same period last year.

Its network has expanded significantly in 2025, with 31 new destinations launched or announced, bringing the total to nearly 90.

Key additions include Medan, Phnom Penh, Addis Ababa, and Krabi. Capacity to Europe rose 35pc this summer compared with 2024.

Etihad’s fleet has grown to 115 aircraft, up from 96 last year, including new Airbus A350s, Boeing 787s, and A321LRs featuring premium cabin upgrades. The airline also brought back two more A380s.

Operations are supported by Zayed International Airport, which offers biometric processing and 65 gates, handling up to 45 million passengers annually.

Etihad added 1,700 new employees in the first half of 2025 and promoted over 1,100 staff. Its UAE National Talent Strategy aims to double the number of Emirati employees over five years, with dedicated tracks for pilots, engineers, and managers.

-B