The UAE’s aviation sector continues to soar to new heights, and Etihad Airways is leading the charge. In one of the region’s most significant workforce expansion announcements, the Abu Dhabi-based airline revealed plans to recruit approximately 7,000 additional employees by 2035, raising its total workforce to around 22,000 employees. The move reflects the airline’s ambitious growth strategy, expanding global network, and long-term confidence in the future of aviation.
A Growth Story Taking Flight
According to Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People, Government and Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, the airline expects to conclude 2026 with approximately 15,000 employees and continue growing steadily through 2035. The planned expansion represents an increase of more than 45 percent in workforce size over the coming decade.
This hiring drive comes as the airline records annual operational growth of around 20 percent, requiring a continuous influx of skilled professionals across multiple business functions.
More Than 3,000 New Hires Needed This Year
The airline’s immediate recruitment needs are equally impressive. More than 3,000 employees are expected to be hired during 2026 alone, with the majority filling frontline and operational positions. Key roles include:
- Pilots
- Aircraft engineers
- Technicians
- Cabin crew
- Airport operations personnel
- Corporate professionals
These positions are essential to supporting the airline’s expanding fleet, growing route network, and increasing passenger demand.
Hiring Continued Despite Regional Challenges
What makes Etihad’s expansion particularly noteworthy is its ability to maintain recruitment momentum during a period of regional disruption that affected airlines and the wider tourism sector.
During a recent six-month period of instability, the airline successfully onboarded approximately 700 new employees while continuing international recruitment efforts. By shifting portions of its onboarding process online, Etihad ensured that growth plans remained on track without interruption.
So far this year, the airline has already recruited around 1,340 employees, with hundreds more expected to join before year-end, demonstrating resilience and confidence in its long-term strategy.
Emiratisation Remains a Key Priority
Alongside international hiring, Etihad Airways continues to strengthen its commitment to Emiratisation by creating structured pathways for UAE nationals to build successful careers in aviation.
The airline’s Cadet Programme, Airport Programme, and Technician Programme are designed to equip Emiratis with industry-specific skills, leadership opportunities, and long-term career progression. More than 300 UAE nationals are expected to join the airline this year through these talent development initiatives.
Etihad has also partnered with Khalifa University of Science and Technology through internship programmes aimed at developing the next generation of Emirati aviation professionals.
100,000 Applications for Cabin Crew Roles
The airline’s reputation as an employer of choice continues to attract talent from around the world. According to the airline, cabin crew vacancies alone receive more than 100,000 applications, highlighting the strong global interest in aviation careers in the UAE.
Etihad credits part of this appeal to its strong business performance and career advancement opportunities, with some employees progressing from cabin crew positions to senior onboard leadership roles in as little as 18 months.
AI Transforming Recruitment
To manage growing application volumes, Etihad has invested heavily in artificial intelligence-driven recruitment tools over the past two years. The airline’s systems can screen more than 50,000 applications in less than three days, ranking candidates according to suitability before human recruiters conduct interviews.
This technology-enabled approach helps accelerate hiring while maintaining high recruitment standards, allowing the airline to identify top talent efficiently across global markets.
Etihad’s plan to add 7,000 jobs is more than a recruitment announcement. It is a powerful indicator of Abu Dhabi’s growing influence in global aviation, the strength of the UAE’s economic vision, and the increasing demand for skilled professionals across the travel and tourism ecosystem. As airlines worldwide compete for talent, Etihad’s expansion demonstrates confidence, resilience, and a commitment to shaping the future of aviation from the UAE.
For aspiring pilots, engineers, technicians, cabin crew members, and corporate professionals, the message is clear: the next decade could offer unprecedented opportunities to build a career with one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing airlines.
