Etihad Airways has strengthened its position among the world’s leading airlines after securing 35 awards over the past 12 months, including two major honours at the 2026 Business Traveller Middle East Awards.
At the awards ceremony held in Dubai on June 18, Etihad was named Airline with the Best Economy Class and Airline with the Best Cabin Crew, marking the sixth consecutive year the carrier has received recognition for its cabin crew service.
The Business Traveller Middle East Awards are determined entirely by reader votes, with frequent flyers selecting winners based on their travel experiences throughout the year.
The airline said the continued recognition reflects the consistency of its onboard service and hospitality, which is rooted in Emirati values of warmth, generosity, and personalised care for guests.
In addition to the Business Traveller Middle East Awards, Etihad received accolades from several leading aviation and business organisations, including the APEX Best Awards, the Business Traveller Cellars in the Sky Awards, the Aviation Achievement Awards, and the MENA Stevie Awards.
The airline’s onboard dining experience was particularly recognised during the award season. Etihad won the APEX Best Food & Beverage in the Middle East award, while its First Class Champagne and Red Wine offerings earned Silver awards at the Business Traveller Cellars in the Sky Awards.
Etihad’s cargo division also recorded notable success, with Etihad Cargo being named Cargo Airline of the Year and Air Cargo Pharma Service of the Year at the Aviation Achievement Awards.
Meanwhile, the MENA Stevie Awards recognised several of the airline’s innovation initiatives, awarding Gold honours for its future-ready contact centre and global chauffeur service, along with a Silver award for its artificial intelligence-powered customer service transformation programme.
The achievements underscore Etihad’s ongoing investment in customer experience, technology, innovation, and operational excellence as it continues to expand its global presence and strengthen its reputation in the international aviation sector.
