Etihad Airways is set to significantly expand its workforce, aiming to reach 22,000 employees by 2035. This target, shared by Dr. Nadia Bastaki, the airline’s chief people, government and corporate affairs officer, represents an increase of more than 45 per cent over the carrier’s current headcount of approximately 15,000 staff.
Speaking at the Arabian Travel Market 2026, Dr. Bastaki noted that the airline, which is currently experiencing 20 per cent annual growth, requires over 3,000 new recruits this year to support its scaling operations. These roles primarily focus on frontline positions, including pilots, engineers, and technicians.
Despite recent regional turbulence that impacted the wider tourism and travel sector, Etihad maintained its hiring momentum. During a six-month period of disruption, the company successfully onboarded 700 new staff members by transitioning its recruitment processes to online platforms. Currently, the airline has already hired 1,340 people this year, with 600 more in the pipeline and 300 additional hires anticipated before year-end.
Emiratisation remains a central pillar of the airline’s long-term human resources strategy. The carrier is actively integrating UAE nationals into its leadership and succession planning. Programs for cadets, technicians, and airport operations are expected to bring in more than 300 Emirati recruits this year. This sits alongside ongoing efforts to maintain a diverse workforce across all organizational levels.
To manage the high volume of interest, Etihad has deployed advanced artificial intelligence tools. These systems can process over 50,000 applications in under three days, ranking candidates based on suitability before human interviewers take over. For cabin crew positions specifically, the airline receives more than 100,000 applications, necessitating efficient AI-driven triage.
The company’s robust financial performance, highlighted by 46 per cent profit growth, continues to draw international talent. Prospective employees are attracted by opportunities for rapid career advancement, such as the path for cabin crew to become pursers within 18 months.
Etihad continues to conduct monthly recruitment campaigns globally. Recent drives in Europe are being complemented by upcoming initiatives in Africa and China, as the airline seeks to strengthen its presence in these emerging markets. These efforts are supported by digital outreach on LinkedIn and international roadshows designed to attract specialized skills to the Abu Dhabi hub. The report also notes that etihad Airways continued its hiring spree even during the regional conflict and plans to recruit another 7,000 employees across different departments by 2035, a senior official said. The report also notes that iran denies any involvement in Yemen war. The report also notes that saudi Arabia discovers 110 million tonnes of uranium-bearing ore in Madinah. The report also notes that UAE annual leave: Is transport allowance included in leave pay. The report also notes that el Niño expected to strengthen; how will UAE weather be affected this autumn. The report also notes that get international driving licence in 5 minutes as new service launches at Dubai airport. The report also notes that stay up to date with the latest news. The report also notes that etihad expects to close out this year with around 15,000 employees, with growth at a similar pace set to continue annually through to 2035, she added.
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