Etihad Airways unveils six new destinations, expanding its footprint on the African continent | News

Etihad Airways announced a significant expansion of its Africa network, with new routes to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe from Abu Dhabi, as part of its continued global growth strategy.

The new services reflect investments in fast-growing markets and support increasing connectivity across trade, freight and mobility.

The expansion builds directly on Etihad’s recently announced growth in China, including increased frequencies and a deepened partnership with China Eastern Airlines. Together, these developments position Abu Dhabi as a key gateway between Africa, India and Asia, enabling more efficient movement of goods, investments and people between two of the world’s fastest growing regions.

It also aligns with growing economic ties between the UAE and Africa, with increasing trade, investment and commercial partnerships across sectors including energy, infrastructure, mining and logistics. Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its role in enabling these flows and supports deeper economic engagement between the regions.

At the same time, it also complements Etihad’s strategic joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, which marked 80 years of existence this month, further strengthening connectivity across the African continent.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Africa is a natural and compelling next step in Etihad’s network expansion. These are markets with strong underlying demand, driven by trade, investment and population growth. Our role is to provide the connectivity that will enable this growth.”

“Demand for air connectivity in key African markets is outpacing existing supply, especially in the freight and trade-related sectors. This expansion is a direct response to that structural opportunity.

“By expanding our network alongside our recent expansion in China, we are enabling a more efficient corridor connecting Africa, the Middle East and Asia through Abu Dhabi. For passengers, this will provide simpler, faster journeys. For freight, it will provide more direct and reliable access between two regions where trade is growing rapidly.”

The new services will provide direct connections between African markets and Abu Dhabi, while enabling one-stop connections to China, India, Asia and the entire Middle East.

DESTINATIONS

Accra, Ghana One of West Africa’s most welcoming and energetic capitals, where a thriving arts scene and the vibrant Osu district make it an increasingly attractive destination.

Asmara, Eritrea Asmara is a city frozen in elegant time. Asmara’s modernist and art-deco streetscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gives it an otherworldly atmosphere quite unlike anywhere else on the continent.

Harare, Zimbabwe A leafy, planned capital perched high on the Highveld, where the National Gallery, vibrant Mbare Market and warm-hearted locals make it a city of charm and understated sophistication.

Kinshasa, DR Congo A major river city of some 17 million inhabitants on the banks of the Congo, the birthplace of the soukous and rumba and home to a cultural scene of extraordinary depth and creativity.

Lubumbashi, DR Congo The copper-rich capital of the Haut-Katanga province in the deep south of the Democratic Republic of Congo, shaped by mining wealth, with the Lubumbashi Museum offering one of the finest ethnographic collections in Central Africa.

Lagos, Nigeria Africa’s largest city, a megapolis of more than 20 million people, where entrepreneurial energy and a globally influential music and food scene define the experience.

The addition of African routes enables single-link travel between key cities in Africa and Asia via Abu Dhabi, creating a more efficient and commercially relevant corridor for both passengers and freight. This is especially important for sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure, where speed, reliability and direct market access are crucial.

Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport is at the center of these flows, providing efficient connections within Etihad’s growing global network, with a geographic reach spanning Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Freight capacity will play a crucial role, with Etihad Cargo, the largest freighter operator between China and the Middle East, providing belly space capacity for all new services, with dedicated freight products tailored to the specific export and import profiles of each destination market.