Etihad Airways Launches Daily Flights to Addis Ababa, Deepens African Network

Etihad Airways has launched daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, marking a key milestone in the airline’s expansion into Africa. The new route connects Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi with Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) in Ethiopia, with inaugural flights operating at full capacity a strong signal of the growing demand for travel between the UAE and East Africa.

The launch coincides with the official activation of Etihad’s Joint Venture with Ethiopian Airlines, a strategic agreement announced earlier this year. This collaboration between the two national carriers enables coordinated flight schedules, co-developed routes, and a more seamless travel experience for passengers flying between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Through this partnership, Etihad customers can now access over 55 destinations across 33 African countries via Ethiopian Airlines’ hub in Addis Ababa. In return, Ethiopian Airlines passengers gain streamlined access through Abu Dhabi to over 20 cities across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The joint venture also includes plans to collaborate on loyalty programs, cargo operations, and aviation training, reflecting a deepening alliance between two of the region’s most important carriers.

The new Addis Ababa service forms part of Etihad’s broader African network growth in 2025. The airline plans to double flights to Nairobi to 14 per week by December, while also increasing frequencies to Casablanca and Johannesburg. Additionally, Etihad has formed new partnerships with Air Seychelles, and will introduce new destinations in North Africa, including Tunis and Algiers, in the coming month.

Etihad’s expanded presence across Africa is part of its long-term strategy to strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural ties across emerging markets. With growing travel demand, strategic partnerships, and new route offerings, Etihad continues to position itself as a central player in connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

https://www.etihad.com/en/news/addis-ababa-flight-launch-2025