Etihad Airways has released its traffic statistics for October 2024, revealing that the airline welcomed 1.6 million guests during the month, up from 1.3 million in October 2023. The airline also achieved a notable average passenger load factor of 87 percent, up from 86 percent a year ago.
Year-to-date, Etihad Airways has welcomed more than 15 million passengers, marking a substantial 34 percent increase from the previous year. As of October 2024, the airline’s rolling 12-month passenger total stands at 17.8 million, a 73 percent increase on the figure for the whole of 2022, indicating that the airline is on track to double passenger numbers in under two years.
“Our passenger numbers in October saw significant growth compared to the same period last year, highlighting our continuing upward momentum. Our capacity continues to grow, and it is pleasing to see we maintained our robust passenger load factor of 87 percent year-to-date, as well as announcing another exciting new route to Al Alamein, Egypt from Summer 2025,” stated Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways.
Major network expansion underway
Ahead of releasing its October figures, Etihad Airways announced that it is gearing up for one of its most ambitious projects ever, as it prepares to unveil 10 new destinations in a single day. On November 25, the airline will reveal the locations, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing journey of growth and commitment to customer service excellence.
“Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global aviation hub and a major destination for tourists from around the world is being bolstered by our fleet growth year-on-year, which underpins our route expansion. This was further bolstered by the reintroduction of our fifth A380 in October,” added Neves.
Read: What is the US Customs pre-clearance facility at Abu Dhabi airport and how does it work?
Etihad Airways celebrates one year of Terminal A operations
The announcement also comes as the airline celebrates a year of remarkable growth and achievement at its home in Terminal A, Zayed International Airport. Since the full transition to the new terminal in November 2023, the airline has significantly expanded its operations from 1,336 weekly flights to 1,732, connecting Abu Dhabi to more than 80 destinations worldwide through its extensive network.
Operating from the world-class Terminal A, Etihad has played a crucial role in Zayed International Airport’s recognition as the fastest-growing airport in the Middle East for seat capacity on international flights, with the capacity to handle up to 45 million passengers annually.
The recent transition of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility to Terminal A also further enhances the passenger experience for Etihad Airways travelers, making Abu Dhabi the only U.S. preclearance facility in the Middle East and Asia. This service allows Etihad’s guests to complete all U.S. immigration and customs formalities before departure, enabling seamless arrival in the United States.
Following continued fleet expansion in 2024 and with more aircraft joining in 2025, Etihad Airways continues its network expansion strategy, introducing new destinations across the globe from its home at Zayed International Airport.
