Abu Dhabi/ Addis Ababa — October 2025.
Etihad Airways has launched daily flights to Addis Ababa, marking the UAE carrier’s first return to Ethiopia in over a decade and signaling its intent to deepen commercial and strategic links with Africa’s fastest-growing aviation hub.
The inaugural flight landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport carrying a delegation led by Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves, who was greeted by Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew and senior government officials. The event was capped by both executives announcing plans for a closer partnership between the Gulf and African carriers.
A Strategic Pivot Toward Africa
The launch makes Addis Ababa Etihad’s 15th new destination in 2025, as the airline rebuilds its global network after restructuring and pivots toward growth corridors in Africa and Asia. The daily Abu Dhabi–Addis route will be operated using narrow-body Airbus A321 aircraft, providing both passenger and belly cargo capacity.
“Ethiopia represents one of Africa’s most dynamic markets,” Neves said, adding that Etihad intends to leverage “Ethiopian Airlines’ unrivaled regional network” through an integrated partnership.
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