By June, Etihad Airways had started flying and expanded its network to include 88 destinations, with 27 new routes in the past year, including both year-round and seasonal services.
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways made a record high profit in the first half of 2025. All thanks to the increasing demand, they decided to adopt cryptocurrencies as a means of payment to boost passenger traffic.
The airline’s net profit after tax increased 32% to Dh1.1 billion ($300 million) by June, as stated by Etihad. The revenue had an annual growth of 16%, exceeding Dh13.5 billion, with passenger revenue increasing by 16% to Dh11.29 billion. Additionally, cargo revenue increased by 9% year-over-year during the six months.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), a key indicator of profitability, increased by 25% compared to the previous year, reaching Dh2.7 billion.
As the US imposed global tariffs, which caused a lot of uncertainty, Etihad Airways‘ airline operations remained strong. It can be seen clearly through its outstanding performance in the first half of this year, said Chief Executive Antonoaldo Neves during a press briefing.
By June, Etihad had started flying and expanded its network to include 88 destinations, with 27 new routes in the past year, including both year-round and seasonal services.
The airline transported 10.2 million passengers in the first half of the year. It is a 17% increase over the same period last year, with the passenger load factor improving to 87%. The airline had made it a goal this year to carry 21.5 million passengers.
Mr. Neves suggested that this number could rise to 24 million or 25 million by 2026. In July, he mentioned that the airline was increasing its growth projections, aiming to carry 38 million passengers by 2030, up from an earlier target of 33 million. Etihad served 18.5 million passengers in the previous year.
The airline has surpassed 100 aircraft, and in July, it welcomed its first Airbus A321LR, which flew to Phuket last month. As part of its expansion strategy, the airline placed an order for 28 Boeing wide-body aircraft, comprising a combination of 787s and 777Xs, during a visit by former US President Donald Trump to Abu Dhabi in May.
Between January and June, Etihad recruited over 1,700 new members, which included more than 100 pilots and 1,000 cabin crew.
Mr. Neves mentioned that the decision regarding an initial public offering would be left to the shareholders.
As part of its growth strategy, Etihad is exploring introducing cryptocurrencies as a payment method in the future. The airline is committing to making technology investments to address hidden gaps in the payment system, as mentioned by Mr. Neves.
This move comes after Dubai‘s Emirates, which, along with Dubai Duty Free, entered into an initial agreement with Crypto.com in July to allow customers to use their trading platform to make payments.
According to the French crypto and cybersecurity company Ledger, individuals turn to cryptocurrencies for various reasons, including hedging against market fluctuations, reducing tax obligations, or diversifying their portfolios.
Mr. Neves explained that their aim is not to speculate on currency valuation or loss. Just like with any other currency, they plan to convert it into dollars or dirhams as quickly as possible to safeguard against currency depreciation .
He adds that changing to cryptocurrency is not the utmost priority at the moment, but it seems logical to accept various currencies as methods of payment.
Etihad is also considering using Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet services for onboard Wi-Fi, although Mr. Neves pointed out that other alternatives are available on the market.
He explained that they are working towards providing their customers with 100Mbps within two to three years.
