New Daily Flights Introduced by Etihad Airways Connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa
Etihad Airways enhances connectivity with new daily flights between its Abu Dhabi hub and Addis Ababa, marking a significant joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines.
New Daily Flights Introduced by Etihad Airways Connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa
Etihad Airways has launched daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, enhancing links between the UAE and Ethiopia while improving onward connectivity across Africa.
This service marks both an inaugural entry into Ethiopia for Etihad and the formal commencement of their landmark Joint Venture with Ethiopian Airlines. The collaboration enables both airlines to operate joint flights, enhancing connectivity options to Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
Key Highlights of the New Service:
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines will synchronize flight schedules and co-develop routes, providing more choice and convenience to passengers while bolstering trade, tourism, and cultural links between the regions. The agreement also facilitates expanded cooperation in loyalty programs, training, and cargo logistics, demonstrated by their commitment to offering a more streamlined travel experience.
Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, stated: “The launch of our daily flights to Addis Ababa establishes a connection between regions with growing connections and economic interactions. This formally initiates our landmark Joint Venture with Ethiopian Airlines, which is set to redefine mobility between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Together, we will present increased opportunities for trade and tourism and offer guests a broader network via our hubs in Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.”
Under the Joint Venture, Etihad customers can now reach over 55 destinations in 33 African countries through Ethiopian Airlines’ hub in Addis Ababa, while Ethiopian Airlines customers can access over 20 destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East through Abu Dhabi.
Exploring Addis Ababa: The Heartbeat of Africa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, is a vibrant and vital city, serving as the home to the African Union and a flourishing business community. Travelers can visit cultural sites like Ethiopia’s National Museum and Holy Trinity Cathedral, alongside experiencing the bustling Merkato, the largest open-air market in the world. With scenic streets and inviting coffee shops, Addis Ababa captures Africa’s essence while acting as a gateway to the continent itself.
Expanding Etihad’s African Presence
The new connections to Addis Ababa are crucial to Etihad’s expanding footprint in Africa. The airline is planning additional flights to Nairobi by the end of 2025, ramping to 14 flights weekly, alongside increased activities in Casablanca and Johannesburg, and partnerships with Air Seychelles. More North African destinations will be introduced, enhancing travel connections to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.
In June 2026, Etihad will resurge to Zanzibar, offering seasonal flights that support leisure travel between Abu Dhabi and Africa.
Global Expansion in Progress
Addis Ababa marks the tenth destination added to Etihad’s expanding network for 2025, with an additional 20 routes set to launch this year and into 2026 as part of the airline’s ambitious growth objectives.
