Gulf carrier Etihad has experienced significant growth in the domestic market post-pandemic and is anticipating a higher number of Indian passengers this year compared to 2023, when approximately 3 million Indians flew on its flights, as stated by a top executive at the airline.
The chief revenue and commercial officer Arik De mentioned that the Abu Dhabi-based national carrier is confident in facing competition and has seen a strong resurgence in the Indian market. De told PTI, “Etihad is making a strong comeback in the Indian market. Our numbers are more than 10% higher than pre-pandemic levels.”
Highlighting the airline’s growth in 2023 and plans for 2024, De stated, “We increased capacity by over 40% in 2023 and aim to achieve a further 35-40% growth by the end of 2024. We carried around 3 million Indian passengers last year, and this number is expected to increase this year.”
He emphasized that a 10% capacity growth above pre-pandemic levels is a significant rebound for the airline in India, with passenger volumes surpassing expectations. Etihad has also expanded its presence in India by adding flights to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala this year.
De mentioned that Etihad still has room for growth in the Indian market, and there may be further expansion in the airline’s commitment to India in the future. Currently, Etihad operates 165 weekly flights to and from 10 Indian cities and has a partnership with Air Arabia, offering a total of 230 weekly flights.
Recently, Etihad announced a sponsorship deal with Chennai Super Kings, a five-time IPL champion, showcasing its continued engagement with the Indian market. The airline has observed a shift in travel patterns post-pandemic, with more Indians, especially young travelers, exploring new destinations.
According to De, there is an increase in Indian passengers traveling in premium cabins, reflecting the country’s strong economic growth. He mentioned that the premium segment is growing faster than overall capacity, indicating the airline’s focus on providing high-quality services in India.
Expressing the airline’s belief in healthy competition, De stated, “Competition is beneficial for all of us, and ultimately, the Indian consumer benefits from it.”
