Etihad Airways says passenger numbers have rebounded from Iran war impact
Etihad Airways' passenger-carrying capacity is higher than a year ago, its chief executive said on Monday, as Gulf carriers recover from disruption to airlines at the start of the US-Israeli war ...
Etihad Airways reported on Monday that its passenger-carrying capacity is currently 15% to 17% higher than a year ago, as Gulf carriers recover from the impact of the US-Israeli war on Iran. The airline's CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, revealed that the load factor, which indicates how well an airline is utilizing available seats, stood at 92% in August.
Neves expressed optimism about the airline's recovery, stating, "We are back on track." The Iran war caused disruptions to flights in the Middle East and beyond since early February; however, Middle Eastern carriers began resuming operations gradually. Etihad anticipates flat revenue for this year compared to 2025 due to airspace closures in March and April, while profitability is expected to be nearly zero.
Neves also mentioned that trade disputes and visa restrictions have contributed to traveling pattern disruptions. He attributed some of the decreased traffic to the US and Canada's visa policies impacting travel from India to the region, particularly from students. Despite the challenges, Neves remains optimistic about the upcoming winter season, noting a shift in demand and an increase in late bookings, similar to comments from competitors like Emirates.
Additionally, Etihad unveiled a new cabin design for its Airbus A321 LR and A330 aircraft, promising delivery in mid-2026.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf Times Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
