Etihad Airways Achieves Record-Breaking Success in 2025, Winning Over 25 International Awards and Setting New Standards in Airline Excellence

Published on December 24, 2025

Etihad Airways has had an exceptional year in 2025, garnering over 25 prestigious international awards, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s pursuit of excellence. From safety to cabin design, onboard service, and operational efficiency, Etihad has been recognised for its dedication to delivering an outstanding guest experience.

This recognition highlights the airline’s continuous commitment to providing world-class service, culminating in Etihad Airways becoming the first airline in the region to achieve the Seven-Star Plus Safety Rating from Airline Ratings. This award is the highest accolade in the airline industry, reflecting Etihad’s unwavering focus on passenger safety.

Key Achievements in 2025:

• Seven-Star Plus Safety Rating: Etihad became one of the few airlines globally to earn this prestigious safety accolade, underlining its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of passenger safety.
• World Travel Awards Grand Final: At the World Travel Awards Gala in Bahrain, Etihad Airways won World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience, World’s Leading Airline Economy Class, and World’s Leading Airline Lounge Business Class.
• Middle East World Travel Awards: Etihad secured five regional titles, including Leading Airline in Customer Experience, Economy Class, and Business Class Lounge.
• APEX Five Star Global Airline Status: Etihad achieved this status for 2026, joining an elite group of global airlines recognised for exceptional service quality.
• AirHelp Score 2025: Ranking second globally, Etihad improved its score to 8.07 out of 10, highlighting the airline’s operational excellence.
• Operational Excellence: Etihad was recognised among the top five safest full-service airlines globally, with significant achievements in sustainability and safety.

Continued Growth and Investment in Passenger Experience

This success comes amid Etihad’s billion-dollar investment in upgrading its fleet and services, aiming to enhance customer experience across every aspect of travel. The airline’s latest addition, the Airbus A321LR, brings lie-flat seating and premium service to mid-range routes, providing passengers with enhanced comfort on shorter flights.

Etihad’s flagship A380 aircraft, which continues to feature The Residence, the only three-room suite in commercial aviation, offers a truly unparalleled level of luxury for high-end travellers. The Residence continues to be the epitome of luxury air travel, providing an exclusive experience unlike any other.

• Airbus A321LR: Luxury on mid-range routes with lie-flat seating and premium service.
• A380 with The Residence: The only three-room suite in commercial aviation, offering the ultimate in luxury travel.

Excellence in Every Cabin

Etihad Airways’ commitment to service excellence is evident in its high customer satisfaction scores across all cabins, from Economy Class to First Class. The airline has won multiple accolades for its onboard dining and cabin comfort.

• Skytrax Awards: Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East.
• Business Traveller Middle East: Best Cabin Crew and Best Economy Class.
• APEX Future Travel Experience: Best in Seat Comfort Award in the Middle East.
• The Design Air Awards: Design Airline of the Year Middle East, for Etihad’s distinctive cabin and interior design.

Recognitions and Awards for Etihad’s Service Quality:

• Warner Bros. Superheroes Amenity Kits: Awarded by PAX International and TravelPlus for creating unique, family-friendly experiences.
• Gold Award for Limited Edition Amenity Kits: Recognised by Onboard Hospitality for celebrating Etihad’s 20th anniversary.
• Self Securing Blanket and Large Pillow: Recognised for providing superior comfort to Economy Class passengers on long-haul flights.

Operational Excellence and Sustainability

Etihad Airways also received multiple awards for its operational excellence and commitment to sustainability. The Aviation Business Middle East Awards honoured Etihad for its Customer Experience Initiative of the Year, while the DRI ASEAN Awards recognised the airline for its Business Continuity Management.

Etihad’s cargo division also received praise, winning the Customer Centricity in B2B award and recognition from STAT Times for Air Cargo Excellence.

The Path Forward for Etihad Airways

Etihad Airways continues to expand its global network and improve customer service, as the airline invests heavily in new aircraft, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives. The Etihad Airways team remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for passengers, with a clear focus on safety, comfort, and service.

As Etihad enters 2026 with a stronger presence in the global aviation market, the airline remains committed to innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Etihad Airways is not just an airline; it is an experience that sets new standards in aviation excellence.

Conclusion: Etihad Airways’ Record-Breaking Year

In 2025, Etihad Airways has truly set the bar for excellence in aviation. With over 25 international awards and a commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction, Etihad continues to be a leader in the global airline industry. The airline’s ongoing investment in innovation and passenger comfort ensures that it will remain a top choice for travellers seeking exceptional service.