Abu Dhabi, July 26 (IANS/WAM): United Arab Emirates' (UAE) flag-carrier Etihad Airways on Sunday said it experienced one of the busiest travel periods flying across its global network during Eid-ul-Fitr.

The number of passengers during this period rose from 82.1 percent in 2014 to 82.3 percent in 2015. The airline operated 83 additional flights.

"We're pleased to have once again carried record numbers of guests and baggage across the Etihad Airways network during Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the busiest and most challenging periods in the year," Captain Richard Hill, Etihad Airways' chief operations officer, said.

Etihad Airways and its Abu Dhabi airport partners prepared and implemented a number of key initiatives at the hub to manage the busy flight schedule.

The initiatives included amending the flight schedule to improve connectivity, the provision of complimentary coach and bus services, additional baggage allowances and Etihad Guest miles for early and off-peak check-in, as well as the deployment of 100 extra ground staff.

Over 100 additional Etihad Airways staff members were temporarily recruited from across the organisation to assist guests at check-in and at boarding gates, and cabin crew offered Iftaar and Eid-ul-Fitr refreshments to those at check-in, security, and immigration.