Etihad Airways (Arabic: الإتحاد‎, ʼal-ʻitiħād, meaning Union, Unity, United) is the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates. Established by royal decree in July 2003 and based in Abu Dhabi, Etihad commenced operations in November 2003

The airline operates more than 1,200 flights per week to over 82 destinations in more than 50 countries, with a fleet of 66 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. In 2010, Etihad carried 7.1 million passengers, a 13.1% increase compared with 2009. Despite record revenues of nearly US$3000 million in 2010, the airline has not yet been profitable.

Etihad was awarded the World's Leading Airline in 2009 and 2010 by the World Travel Awards.

In addition to its core activity of passenger transportation, Etihad also operates Etihad Holidays and Etihad Crystal Cargo. The airline is based at Abu Dhabi International Airport and its head office is in Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi.

Etihad Airways was established as the flag carrier of the United Arab Emirates in July 2003 by Royal (Amiri) Decree issued by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It started with an initial paid-up capital of AED500 million. Services were launched with a ceremonial flight to Al Ain on 5 November 2003. On 12 November 2003, Etihad commenced commercial operations with the launch of services to Beirut, and has gone on to become the fastest growing airline in the history of commercial aviation.