Ethiopian Airlines Scores a Win for Africa Travel with $4.4 Billion Revenue in H1 2026

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Ethiopian Airlines has reported outstanding first-half revenue of US$4.4 billion for the 2025/2026 Ethiopian fiscal year, a 14% year-on-year increase. This impressive performance stems from strong results in passenger services and cargo operations, as well as continued fleet modernisation.

Travel and Tour World reports that during the period, the airline transported 10.64 million passengers while expanding its global network to 145 international destinations, including three newly launched routes. These milestones highlight Ethiopian Airlines’ operational excellence and its growing influence as a key connector for travellers across Africa and beyond.

The airline’s fleet has grown to 170 aircraft, including private jets, enabling it to reach new markets, increase flight frequencies, and deliver more reliable services. This expansion directly supports tourism by improving access to Africa’s diverse destinations and meeting rising global demand for authentic travel experiences. Investments in modern aircraft further enhance passenger comfort, making journeys to the continent smoother and more appealing.

On the cargo side, Ethiopian Airlines moved 451,000 tonnes of goods in the first half. This logistics strength bolsters trade between Africa, Asia, and Europe, indirectly fueling tourism by supporting hospitality supply chains and making destinations more vibrant and accessible.

Ethiopian Airlines is also investing heavily in critical infrastructure. The airline is a major backer of the new Bishoftu International Airport project, with groundbreaking in January 2026. Once completed in phases, this advanced facility will dramatically increase capacity, position Ethiopia as East Africa’s premier aviation hub, and strengthen regional connectivity.

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The airport will make it far easier for international visitors to reach Ethiopia’s iconic attractions, including the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, the breathtaking Simien Mountains National Park, and the rich tribal cultures of the Omo Valley. Improved access will benefit both leisure travellers seeking natural wonders and business visitors exploring new opportunities.

As Ethiopian Airlines expands, it actively develops tourism markets by enhancing links between Africa and the rest of the world. New routes and increased capacity promote intra-African travel and attract more visitors from global hubs.

Rising passenger numbers lead to more arrivals, higher local spending, and deeper cultural exchange. The airline’s deliberate focus on authentic African experiences helps position Ethiopia and the broader continent as premier destinations for travellers craving genuine adventures.

Ethiopian Airlines remains a vital force in African aviation and tourism development. Its investments in connectivity, capacity, and infrastructure are making the continent more reachable and attractive to international visitors.

In a competitive global landscape, the airline’s ability to innovate, adapt to demand, and expand positions it as a major driver of economic growth and sustainable tourism for Ethiopia and Africa as a whole. With a commitment to quality and strategic partnerships, Ethiopian Airlines is helping write the next chapter of Africa’s tourism success story.

Nigeria’s tourism and aviation industries have significant potential but also face numerous obstacles. The country features world-class attractions, including the energetic Calabar Carnival, pristine beaches, national parks teeming with wildlife, and rich cultural heritage sites. However, challenges persist: high airfares, infrastructure gaps at key airports, maintenance and safety concerns with some domestic carriers, and lingering security perceptions that limit international arrivals.

Ethiopian Airlines has operated successfully in Nigeria for decades, serving Lagos and Abuja with increasing frequencies. The carrier actively supports tourism through partnerships, discounted fares for major events such as the Calabar Carnival, and collaborative packages that promote Nigeria alongside Ethiopian destinations.

Ethiopian Airlines’ success creates positive spillover effects. Stronger hub connections via Addis Ababa can offer more convenient one-stop flights to Nigeria, lowering barriers for global tourists and boosting arrivals. This would drive higher spending in Nigeria’s hospitality, guiding, and cultural sectors, generating jobs and contributing more significantly to GDP.

On a continental level, Ethiopia’s model strengthens pan-African connectivity, encouraging intra-African tourism flows that benefit multiple nations, including Nigeria. It inspires local carriers and policymakers to adopt efficient, profitable strategies that potentially lead to fleet modernisation and better service standards across the region.

Captivated by Africa’s rising tourism stars? Dive into more inspiring stories on aviation breakthroughs, hidden gems, and travel tips across the continent. Browse through our latest articles now!

 

FAQs

1. What was Ethiopian Airlines’ revenue for the first half of 2025/2026?  

The airline reported US$4.4 billion in revenue, a 14% increase driven by passenger and cargo growth.

2. How many passengers and destinations does Ethiopian Airlines serve?

It carried 10.64 million passengers and now operates to 145 international destinations, with recent additions expanding its reach.

3. What is the Bishoftu International Airport, and when will it open?  

This major new hub near Addis Ababa began construction in 2026 and will significantly increase its capacity, enhancing access to Ethiopian tourism sites in the coming years.

4. How does Ethiopian Airlines’ growth affect tourism in Nigeria?  

It improves global connectivity through its Addis Ababa hub, supports events such as the Calabar Carnival, and helps attract more international visitors to Nigeria’s attractions.

5. Which Ethiopian attractions benefit most from these developments?  

Key sites include the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, Simien Mountains National Park, and the Omo Valley cultures, all of which are now easier for tourists to access.