Etihad Airways Achieves Historic Milestone with 25 International Awards in 2025
Etihad Airways, the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates, marked the end of 2025 on a high note, achieving a remarkable tally of over 25 distinguished international accolades. These awards span multiple facets of the airline’s operations, recognizing its unwavering commitment to excellence in cabin design, onboard service, safety protocols, customer experience, and overall operational proficiency.
A Landmark Achievement in Safety
In a particularly groundbreaking accomplishment, Etihad became only the fourth airline in the world, and the first in the Middle East, to receive the esteemed Seven-Star Plus Safety Rating from Airline Ratings. This prestigious acknowledgment indicates that the airline has met the highest safety standards as defined by the organization’s rigorous global safety assessment framework. Such recognition not only elevates Etihad within the competitive aviation landscape but also reinforces the importance of safety as a cornerstone of its operational ethos.
Prestigious Honours at the World Travel Awards
Earlier in the year, during the World Travel Awards Grand Final held in Bahrain, Etihad was awarded three noteworthy titles: World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience, World’s Leading Airline Economy Class, and World’s Leading Airline Lounge – Business Class, attributed to its Premium Lounge at Zayed International Airport. These accolades are a testament to the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhancing passenger amenities and service levels, establishing it as a leader in the competitive global air travel industry.
The airline’s success extended to regional accolades when, in October, it secured five significant awards at the Middle East World Travel Awards. Notable honors included the title of Middle East’s Leading Airline for Customer Experience, Economy Class, and distinctions for Best Inflight Entertainment, Business Class Lounge, and Cabin Crew. The latter award specifically highlighted the professionalism and commitment of Etihad’s onboard teams, reflecting the airline’s prioritization of customer satisfaction.
Elite Status Among Global Airlines
In addition to these achievements, Etihad was designated Five Star Global Airline status for 2026 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX), positioning it within an elite cadre of airlines renowned for exemplary service quality. Furthermore, the AirHelp Score for 2025 ranked Etihad second globally with an impressive score of 8.07 out of 10, marking a strong performance in punctuality, customer satisfaction, and claims processing across over 60 countries. This ranking underscores Etihad’s dedication to maintaining high operational standards and customer support.
Recognition from various industry bodies continued, with Airline Ratings listing Etihad among the world’s top five safest full-service airlines. Additionally, Airline Economics awarded the airline the title of Aviation 100 MAE Airline of the Year 2025 during the Growth Frontiers conference in Dubai, further highlighting its strong standing within the aviation community.
Investments in Passenger Experience
These accolades are accompanied by Etihad’s ongoing multi-billion-dollar investment strategy aimed at enhancing the end-to-end travel experience for its passengers. Such investments have driven a positive trend in the airline’s Net Promoter Score—an indicator of customer loyalty—showing improvement for three consecutive years. This reflects a robust growth in customer satisfaction as the airline continues to innovate and elevate its service offerings.
In 2025, the introduction of the Airbus A321LR was a notable innovation, as it features lie-flat seating and premium services for mid-range routes. The airline also retains its flagship Airbus A380 in its fleet, renowned for housing The Residence—the only three-room suite available in commercial aviation, thereby setting a new benchmark in luxury travel.
A Commitment Beyond Passenger Services
Operating from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, a facility renowned for its advanced infrastructure and world-class lounges, Etihad aims to offer a seamless travel experience to its passengers. The airline’s commitment to service excellence extends beyond passenger services; its cargo division was also recognized for its customer-centric approach and innovative solutions, earning accolades at both the Customer Centricity World Series and the STAT Times International Awards for Air Cargo Excellence.
A Message of Commitment from Leadership
In response to these achievements, Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves remarked that the extensive recognition serves as a reflection of the passion, dedication, and teamwork of the entire Etihad family. He reaffirmed the airline’s relentless pursuit of exceptional experiences for passengers across all facets of their journeys.
As Etihad Airways continues to blaze trails in the aviation sector, its remarkable achievements in 2025 exemplify a steadfast commitment to innovation, safety, and quality service, marking another promising chapter in the airline’s storied history.
—
Tags: #UAE #BusinessNews #TravelTourism