Etihad Airways continues to impress, carrying over 18 million passengers in 2024 and dominating key international routes. Yet, amidst this remarkable expansion, a troubling incident aboard a Manchester-to-Abu Dhabi flight—where a passenger suffered severe illness after a questionable in-flight meal—highlights the delicate balance airlines must maintain between rapid growth and passenger safety.
Image: Etihad
Etihad Airways: Navigating the Skies and Turbulence
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has been growing steadily and expanding its presence worldwide. Even with this positive momentum, the airline sometimes faces unexpected problems that test its dedication to quality and service.
Expanding Horizons: Etihad's Busiest Routes
In 2024, Etihad Airways showed impressive growth, carrying over 18 million passengers with a strong load factor of 87%. This increase reflects the airline's expanding network and strategic presence in important markets.
Short-Haul Success
Etihad’s short-haul routes (less than 1,500 nautical miles) experienced a 32% rise in passenger numbers, totaling over 6 million travelers annually. The route between India and the UAE remains especially important, making up 53% of the airline’s short-haul traffic. Notable routes include:
- Abu Dhabi to Delhi: Scored a Market Outlook & Expansion Index (MOXI) of 7.9, with passenger numbers rising by 194,000 and holding an 85% market share.
- Abu Dhabi to Mumbai: Recorded a MOXI score of 7.4, passenger growth of 171,000, and a market share of 58%.
- Abu Dhabi to Cairo: Had a MOXI score of 6.8, passenger increase of 139,000, and a market share of 49%.
Long-Haul Leadership
On longer routes (beyond 1,500 nautical miles), Etihad carried over 11.5 million passengers. The airline is particularly strong on routes like Abu Dhabi to Karachi, where it holds a 100% market share.
Image: The Globe and Mail
Challenges in the Skies: A Passenger's Ordeal
Despite the airline’s commitment to quality, problems can happen. Recently, passenger Cameron Callaghan experienced a severe health issue during a flight from Manchester to Abu Dhabi.
The Incident
Callaghan ate an in-flight meal described as a "smelly" dish of tomato, cheesy chicken pasta. About 20 minutes later, he suffered serious stomach problems, resulting in continuous vomiting—about 30 times—during the six-hour flight.
Image: Yahoo
Aftermath and Response
Once landed in Abu Dhabi, Callaghan was too weak to leave the plane alone and needed a wheelchair. He received medical care at the airport, but the illness impacted the first few days of his vacation in Thailand. Etihad Airways responded by reaffirming its strict food safety measures. They noted no other passengers reported similar problems and stated that all meals onboard are prepared and kept under strict temperature controls to ensure safety.
Balancing Growth and Passenger Well-being
Etihad Airways' strong growth and expanding routes show its commitment to connecting people around the world through Abu Dhabi. However, incidents like Callaghan’s experience remind us how important it is to prioritize safety and high-quality service. As the airline continues to grow, managing these types of situations effectively will be important to maintain its strong reputation.