KARACHI: Etihad Airways hosted an elegant luncheon last week at the Marriott Hotel Karachi to honour its valued travel trade partners, reaffirming the airline’s strong engagement with Pakistan’s travel and tourism fraternity. The prestigious gathering was hosted by Mr. Ahmed Zahoor, General Manager – Pakistan, Etihad Airways, and was attended by a distinguished group of senior industry leaders from across the city.
Adding significant prestige to the occasion was the presence of Etihad Airways’ senior management, who flew in from Abu Dhabi to interact with partners and share insights into the airline’s ambitious future expansion plans. The visiting delegation included Mr. Javier Alija, Vice President Sales & Distribution; Mr. Khaleefa Mohamed Al Hammadi, Regional General Manager; and Mr. Sahel Matokh, Senior Market Manager – Commercial Strategy, whose participation underscored the importance Etihad places on the Pakistani market.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Javier Alija shared encouraging updates on Etihad’s growth trajectory, highlighting the airline’s strong operational performance. “Etihad Airways is committed to deepening its footprint in South Asia,” he said, noting that the airline enters 2026 on a robust footing. He revealed that Etihad carried a record 22.4 million passengers in 2025, marking its highest annual total to date. Passenger traffic rose by 21 percent year-on-year, while December 2025 alone set a new monthly record with 2.2 million passengers, reflecting a 28 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
He further announced that Etihad has an aggressive expansion plan for 2026, with the launch of 31 new destinations, including Baku, Yerevan, Tbilisi, Almaty, Bucharest, Krakow, and Salalah. These additions form part of a broader growth strategy, with more routes — including Palma and other potential destinations — in the pipeline, further strengthening the airline’s global network.
Earlier, Mr. Ahmed Zahoor, in a comprehensive presentation, highlighted Etihad Airways’ achievements, fleet strength, and long-term vision. He noted that the airline currently operates a modern fleet of 105 aircraft and continues to expand its global reach through strategic partnerships across North America, China, Africa, and Europe. He also outlined Etihad’s well-structured expansion programme for 2026 and expressed gratitude to the travel trade partners for their continued trust and support.
The event concluded with a lavish buffet lunch, offering guests a delightful culinary experience and providing an opportunity for networking in a warm and engaging atmosphere, making the gathering both informative and memorable.
