Etihad Airways Celebrates a Stellar 29% Growth with 2.2M Passengers in January
Etihad Airways has started 2026 with an impressive momentum, welcoming a remarkable 2.2 million passengers in January. This figure represents a striking 29% increase compared to the 1.7 million travelers in January 2025. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier announced these impressive traffic statistics on February 13, 2026, continuing the record-breaking trajectory that defined 2025.
The airline’s passenger load factor reached a robust 89.9% for the month, a significant increase from 89.1% a year earlier. This reflects sustained demand across its expanding network and continued efficiency in capacity management. With this performance, Etihad positions itself as one of the fastest-growing airlines globally.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves stated: “January has been a strong start to 2026. Demand is high, our product is resonating with customers, and the dedication of our teams is evident in every flight.” The airline’s fleet has grown to a robust 127 aircraft, serving 110 destinations worldwide.
Adding to the excitement, Etihad announced two historic new routes in January: Luxembourg and Calgary. Both of these mark the first-ever direct connections from Abu Dhabi to these cities. The Calgary service, launching in November 2026, makes Etihad the first Middle Eastern carrier to offer nonstop flights to Western Canada.
Source: Travel and Tour World