Etihad Airways: A Year of Unprecedented Recognition in Aviation Excellence
In 2025, Etihad Airways has solidified its position as a leader in the global aviation industry, amassing over 25 prestigious international awards that recognize its commitment to excellence across various dimensions of the guest experience. The accolades received span a remarkable range of categories, from cabin design to onboard catering, and safety to operational excellence. Such achievements not only underscore the airline’s dedication to quality but also reflect its strategic investments in enhancing customer service and experience.
Among the most notable accomplishments of the year was the airline’s attainment of the Seven-Star Plus Safety Rating from Airline Ratings, positioning Etihad as the fourth airline worldwide and the first in the Middle East to achieve this coveted status. This rating underscores the airline’s rigorous adherence to safety protocols, setting a benchmark in the industry for operational integrity and reliability.
Only recently, at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony held in Bahrain, Etihad added three additional prestigious titles to its collection. The airline was recognized as the World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience, the World’s Leading Airline Economy Class, and claimed the title for the World’s Leading Airline Lounge Business Class, specifically for its Premium Lounge located at Zayed International Airport. Such recognitions not only highlight Etihad’s superior service offerings but also reflect the airline’s focus on creating an unparalleled experience for its passengers.
In October, the airline celebrated its success at the Middle East World Travel Awards, where it clinched five regional titles, including the Middle East’s Leading Airline in Customer Experience and Economy Class. Furthermore, it was recognized for its inflight entertainment, business class lounge, and cabin crew service. The latter award is particularly commendable, as it honors the professionalism and dedication of the airline’s front-line teams who consistently deliver exceptional service during flights.
A further testament to Etihad’s excellence was its designation as a Five-Star Global Airline for 2026 by APEX, placing it among an elite cadre of airlines globally. The airline’s operational performance was also affirmed by the AirHelp Score for 2025, which positioned Etihad second worldwide, achieving an impressive score of 8.07 out of 10. This remarkable achievement demonstrates the airline’s consistent commitment to punctuality, customer satisfaction, and effective claims processing within an increasingly competitive landscape.
Etihad’s continued pursuit of excellence has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by its recognition as one of the top five Safest Full-Service Airlines in the World by Airline Ratings. Additionally, at the Aviation 100 MAE Awards, the airline was celebrated as the Airline of the Year for 2025, a recognition that further validates its strategic growth initiatives and commitment to providing safe, reliable services.
The foundation of these accolades lies in Etihad’s relentless investment towards improving customer experience. Over the course of the past year, the airline has focused on a series of transformative product innovations, such as the introduction of the Airbus A321LR. This new aircraft model, equipped with lie-flat seating and premium service offerings, extends a luxurious experience to travelers on mid-range routes. Moreover, Etihad continues to operate its flagship A380 aircraft, which features The Residence—unmatched in commercial aviation for its exclusive three-room suite that caters specifically to high-end travelers seeking luxury.
Operating from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, which is frequently recognized as one of the world’s premier airport facilities, Etihad enhances the traveler experience through seamless check-in and boarding processes, complemented by world-class lounges and state-of-the-art terminal amenities.
The airline’s commitment to culinary excellence was also acknowledged when Skytrax honored it with the Best First Class Onboard Catering award in the Middle East. Awards from Business Traveller Middle East further recognized the airline for its outstanding cabin crew service and best-in-class Economy Class offerings.
Moreover, the APEX Future Travel Experience EMEA awarded Etihad for its achievements in seat comfort, while its distinctive design approach earned accolades as Design Airline of the Year for the Middle East by The Design Air. The airline’s dedication to thoughtful design was also evident in its amenity kits, which received multiple accolades for innovation and excellence.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, remarked on the significance of these achievements. “Winning over 25 international awards in a single year is extraordinary recognition of our entire Etihad family’s passion and commitment to excellence. From the World Travel Awards to APEX Five-Star status, and Skytrax to AirHelp’s global rankings, these honors reflect our dedication to delivering exceptional experiences across every cabin, every route, and every part of our guests’ journeys.”
With such a strong foundation of excellence and customer service, Etihad Airways not only elevates the standards of air travel but also lays the groundwork for future growth and innovation in the aviation industry. The airline’s consistent pursuit of excellence demonstrates a clear understanding of passenger needs, which, in turn, ensures a loyal customer base for years to come.
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