Etihad Airways lands in Ethiopia with new daily flights connecting Abu Dhabi to Addis Ababa | News
Etihad Airways has launched new daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, strengthening ties between the UAE and Ethiopia and improving further connectivity across Africa.
The service marks Etihad’s debut in Ethiopia, strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s fastest growing aviation hubs. The launch also coincides with the formal activation of Etihad’s pioneering joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, announced earlier this year, which will enhance cooperation between the two national carriers and expand seamless travel options between Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Under the new joint venture, Etihad and Syrian Airlines will coordinate schedules and jointly develop routes, offering guests more choice and convenience and strengthening trade, tourism and cultural ties between the two regions. The agreement also paves the way for broader collaboration in areas such as loyalty programs, training and cargo, and underlines the airlines’ shared commitment to providing guests with a smoother, more connected travel experience.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said:
“The launch of our daily flights to Addis Ababa bridges the gap between two regions with growing connections and expanding economic ties. It also marks the formal launch of our groundbreaking joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, a partnership that will redefine connectivity between Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Together we will create greater opportunities for trade, tourism and collaboration, while giving our guests access to an even greater wider network through our respective hubs in Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.”
Through the joint venture, Etihad guests can now reach more than 55 destinations in 33 African countries via the Ethiopian hub in Addis Ababa, while Ethiopian Airlines customers will enjoy streamlined access to more than 20 destinations in Asia, Australia and the Middle East via Abu Dhabi.
Discover Addis Ababa: the beating heart of Africa
Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, is one of Africa’s most vibrant and influential cities, home to the African Union and a thriving diplomatic and business community. Travelers can explore cultural treasures such as the National Museum of Ethiopia and the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, and experience the Merkato, the world’s largest open-air market. From the tree-lined boulevards and vibrant coffee houses to the panoramic views from the Entoto Hills, Addis Ababa offers a captivating mix of heritage, hospitality and modern energy. It is both a gateway to the continent and a destination that reflects the spirit and soul of Africa.
Strengthening Etihad’s African footprint
The launch in Addis Ababa is an important pillar of Etihad’s growing African footprint. In 2025, the airline will deepen its presence across the continent with additional flights to Nairobi, growing to 14 weekly flights in December, increased frequencies to Casablanca and Johannesburg, and a partnership with Air Seychelles. Continuing its strategic growth, Etihad will also introduce new destinations in North Africa, with Tunis and Algiers joining the network next month. Together, these efforts strengthen vital air connections, making travel between Africa, Asia, the Middle East and global destinations more seamless than ever.
Building on this momentum, Etihad will return to Zanzibar with seasonal summer flights in June 2026, further expanding its leisure offering in East Africa and strengthening two-way connectivity between Abu Dhabi, Africa and Europe.
Expansion of the global network
Addis Ababa will become the tenth destination added to Etihad’s growing network in 2025, with a further twenty routes set to launch later this year and into 2026 as part of the airline’s ambitious global expansion plans. Etihad is expanding its footprint one destination at a time, connecting people and cultures through Abu Dhabi and redefining the art of travel with world-class service and seamless connectivity.
