Etihad Airways (EY, Abu Dhabi International) is expected to delay the launch of its initial public offering (IPO) until the second quarter of 2025, after the Eid al-Fitr holiday, which falls on March 30, Reuters reported citing two industry sources.
The Emirati carrier was expected to announce the IPO at the end of February but the plans did not materialise. The offering will allegedly comprise 2.7 billion in primary shares, allowing new investors to take up to a 20% stake in the airline. Etihad is aiming to raise USD1 billion.
The reason for the delay is currently unknown. The airline declined to comment when approached by ch-aviation.
Etihad Airways is reportedly eyeing both domestic and international investors. It would be the first Gulf carrier to go public in nearly 20 years. The last airline in the region to list on the stock market was Kuwait's Jazeera Airways in 2008.
The current full owner of Etihad Airways is Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ.
