Etihad Airways has posted a 29% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers for January, with 2.2 million people travelling with the Abu Dhabi-based carrier.
Passenger load factor reached 89.9%, up from 89.1% a year earlier. The latest figures show Etihad carrying traffic momentum into the new year following a record 2025.
Etihad’s operating fleet stood at 127 aircraft at the start of 2026, with a network of 110 destinations worldwide.
Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves, said: “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.
“Maintaining load factors above 89 per cent while growing capacity at this pace is something we are proud of. It reflects the strength of our network and Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as both a destination and a gateway for travellers across the region and beyond.
“In January we announced new services to Luxembourg and Calgary – two cities that will, for the first time, have a direct connection to Abu Dhabi. That is what drives us: opening up new possibilities for our guests and bringing more of the world to this remarkable emirate.”
