Etihad Airways Expands African Network with Daily Abu Dhabi–Addis Ababa Flights

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Aerospace Global reports that Etihad Airways has introduced daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, bolstering connections between the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia and unlocking enhanced travel options throughout Africa.

This inaugural service represents Etihad’s first foray into Ethiopia, solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a rapidly ascending global aviation powerhouse. The rollout aligns with the official commencement of Etihad’s groundbreaking joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, unveiled earlier this year, which fosters deeper collaboration between the two national carriers and broadens effortless travel pathways across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

As part of this joint venture, Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines will synchronise timetables and co-develop routes, providing passengers with greater flexibility and ease of travel. This partnership will also fortify trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the regions. Beyond routes, the agreement opens doors to expanded cooperation in loyalty programmes, staff training, and cargo operations, reflecting the airlines’ mutual dedication to delivering a more integrated and enjoyable journey for travellers.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, stated, “The introduction of our daily flights to Addis Ababa establishes a vital link between two dynamic regions experiencing surging economic and relational growth. It also signifies the official kickoff of our pivotal joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, a collaboration poised to transform connectivity spanning Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. United, we’re unlocking fresh avenues for commerce, leisure travel, and cross-cultural partnerships, all while granting our passengers expanded access to vast networks via our hubs in Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.”

Through this joint venture, Etihad passengers now enjoy seamless access to over 55 destinations in 33 African nations via Ethiopian’s Addis Ababa hub. In contrast, Ethiopian Airlines’ customers benefit from simplified connections via Abu Dhabi to more than 20 destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s bustling capital, is one of the continent’s most dynamic and pivotal urban centres, hosting the African Union and providing a vibrant hub for diplomacy and commerce. Visitors can enter rich cultural gems such as the National Museum of Ethiopia and the majestic Holy Trinity Cathedral, or immerse themselves in the Merkato, the world’s largest open-air bazaar. With its verdant avenues, buzzing cafes, and breathtaking vistas from the Entoto Hills, Addis Ababa weaves together timeless traditions, warm hospitality, and contemporary vitality. Serving as both an entry point to Africa and a standalone gem, it embodies the continent’s essence and vibrancy.

Further Africa reports that the Addis Ababa route serves as a cornerstone in Etihad’s broadening African strategy. In 2025, the airline is expanding its continental reach with flights to Nairobi increasing to 14 weekly by December, enhanced services to Casablanca and Johannesburg, and a new alliance with Air Seychelles. Pushing forward, Etihad will debut routes to North African hotspots, Tunis and Algiers, next month. Collectively, these initiatives reinforce essential air bridges, streamlining journeys between Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and worldwide locales.

Riding this wave, Etihad plans a comeback to Zanzibar in June 2026 via seasonal summer flights, enriching its East African leisure portfolio and enhancing bidirectional links among Abu Dhabi, Africa, and Europe.

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Addis Ababa emerges as the tenth addition to Etihad’s expanding 2025 network, with 20 additional routes slated for launch later this year and into 2026 under the carrier’s bold international growth blueprint. Step by step, Etihad is widening its horizons, uniting diverse peoples and traditions via Abu Dhabi, and elevating travel standards through superior service and fluid connectivity.

In Nigeria, 2025 has witnessed a significant surge in airline expansions and new international flight routes, mirroring the broader trend of enhanced aviation connectivity across Africa as seen in Etihad’s Ethiopian venture. Key developments include Air Peace’s acquisition of a fourth Boeing 777 to fuel its global push, alongside the launch of a new Lagos-São Paulo route in November 2025, marking Nigeria’s first direct link to Brazil and aiming to boost trade and travel between West Africa and South America. 

United Nigeria Airlines is doubling its fleet by acquiring six ex-Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800s, enabling rapid capacity growth for domestic and regional routes. Ibom Air is set to introduce two or three new intra-African destinations in Central Africa, building on its existing network. Additionally, Cally Air expanded with two CRJ1000 aircraft in May 2025, while the Federal Ministry of Aviation announced Nigeria’s inaugural international airshow and ongoing reforms to modernise the sector. 

This wave of expansions could profoundly transform Africa’s and Nigeria’s tourism sectors. In Nigeria, improved international connectivity, such as direct flights to emerging markets like Brazil, could attract more inbound tourists, including business travellers, diaspora visitors, and adventure seekers drawn to sites like Lagos’ beaches, Yoruba cultural festivals, and national parks like Yankari. 

Enhanced fleet sizes and intra-African routes would make domestic travel more affordable and accessible, spurring ecotourism and cultural exchanges within the country and potentially increasing tourism revenue by 20%–30% in the coming years through improved infrastructure and marketing. On a continental scale, these Nigerian developments align with Etihad’s African push, creating a ripple effect: seamless hubs like Addis Ababa and Lagos could facilitate multi-destination itineraries, drawing global tourists to Africa’s diverse attractions from Ethiopian highlands to Nigerian wildlife reserves. This heightened accessibility might elevate Africa’s tourism GDP contribution (currently around 8-10%), fostering job creation in hospitality, reducing seasonality, and promoting sustainable practices. 

However, challenges like infrastructure bottlenecks and regulatory hurdles must be addressed to maximise benefits, ultimately positioning Nigeria as a West African gateway and amplifying the continent’s appeal as a unified, connected destination.

Dive deeper into the world of aviation innovations and travel trends—explore more stories like this on our website to stay ahead of the skies!

 

FAQs

1. What is the new Etihad Airways route to Ethiopia?  

 Etihad Airways has launched daily flights connecting Abu Dhabi to Addis Ababa, marking its entry into the Ethiopian market and improving connectivity across Africa.

2. How does the joint venture between Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines benefit passengers?  

The partnership allows for coordinated schedules, expanded route options, and access to over 55 African destinations for Etihad passengers via Addis Ababa, as well as streamlined connections to Asia, Australia, and the Middle East for Ethiopian Airlines customers.

3. What are some must-visit attractions in Addis Ababa?  

Key highlights include the National Museum of Ethiopia, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the expansive Merkato market, tree-lined boulevards, lively coffee houses, and panoramic views from the Entoto Hills.

4. How is Etihad expanding its African network in 2025?  

In addition to Addis Ababa, Etihad is increasing flights to Nairobi (up to 14 weekly), Casablanca, and Johannesburg; partnering with Air Seychelles; and adding new routes to Tunis and Algiers.

5. What plans does Etihad have for East Africa?

Etihad will resume seasonal summer flights to Zanzibar in June 2026, further enhancing leisure travel options and connectivity between Abu Dhabi, Africa, and Europe.