Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, was awarded World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience, World’s Leading Airline Economy Class, and World's Leading Airline Lounge Business Class for the Etihad Airways Premium Lounge at Zayed International Airport at the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony 2025 held in Bahrain.
“Winning three global titles at the World Travel Awards is a testament to the passion and commitment our entire Etihad family brings to every journey,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways. “These awards reflect our dedication to delivering extraordinary experiences across every cabin and every touchpoint, from the moment our guests arrive at Zayed International Airport and onboard every flight. We are honoured to be recognised by industry peers and travellers as the World’s Leading Airline in Customer Experience, and we will continue raising the bar for excellence in global aviation.”
Recognising the extraordinary achievements of the airline over the past year and exceptional standard of quality Etihad upholds, travel experts and professionals from across the industry nominated Etihad in 13 categories including: World’s Leading Airline, World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme – Etihad Guest, and World’s Leading Airline Cabin Crew. The airline’s award-winning hub in Abu Dhabi, Zayed International Airport, was also nominated for World’s Leading Airport and World’s Leading Airport Customer Experience.
2025 has been a record year for the airline, seeing unprecedented strategic growth and unparalleled customer experience. In August of this year, Etihad introduced its brand new A321LR aircraft, a game-changing investment which has enabled the major network expansion the airline has seen this year, and set new standards for short and medium haul travel, a major milestone in Etihad’s premium offering strategy. The A321LR brings widebody comfort to single-aisle flying, offering two private First Class suites, 14 fully-flat, window-facing Business seats with direct aisle access, and 144 generously spaced Economy seats all with 4K screens and high-speed Wi-Fi.
“With the introduction of our new A321LR, we are able to offer a truly world-class experience on more routes and at greater frequency, making it easier than ever for guests from around the world to discover everything our home has to offer. Every enhancement we’ve made this year reflects our commitment to welcoming more travellers to Abu Dhabi with the highest levels of comfort and care.” Antonoaldo Neves added.
In October of this year, at the World Travel Awards Middle East 2025, Etihad won five awards in the regional awards: World’s Leading Airline Customer Experience, World’s Leading Airline Economy Class, World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment. World’s Leading Airline Lounge Business Class for the Etihad Airways Premium Lounge at Zayed International Airport, and World’s Leading Cabin Crew.
The World Travel Awards are globally recognised as the hallmark of excellence within the travel industry; established more than 30 years ago to reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries.
