Sunday, June 8, 2025

Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have teamed up in an exciting new venture that’s set to enhance travel connectivity between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Announced on March 19, 2025, in Addis Ababa, this strategic partnership will bring passengers a more seamless experience and open up new travel possibilities across both airlines’ networks.

At the heart of this collaboration is the launch of new direct flights between Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi, two key global hubs. Ethiopian Airlines will begin flights from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Zayed International Airport (AUH) starting July 15, 2025. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways will begin offering daily services to Addis Ababa from October 1, 2025. The new services, pending regulatory approval, will give travelers more direct options to journey between the UAE and Ethiopia.

This joint venture is not just about adding new routes; it’s about making travel more efficient across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. With the Etihad Airways Ethiopian Airlines JV, passengers will have access to a wider network, making it easier to travel between these regions. Etihad Airways CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, expressed excitement over the potential benefits for travelers, noting that the partnership would make it easier for passengers to access even more destinations through both airlines’ growing networks.

For Ethiopian Airlines, this collaboration is another milestone in their journey to expand their global presence. Ethiopian Airlines’ CEO, Mesfin Tasew, shared his enthusiasm for the deal, emphasizing its importance in improving travel between the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. The new route to Abu Dhabi marks Ethiopian Airlines’ third destination in the UAE, alongside Dubai and Sharjah. With over 120 weekly flights to the Middle East and Gulf regions, Ethiopian Airlines is making its mark as a key player in international air travel.

This partnership also plays a vital role in strengthening economic ties between Ethiopia and the UAE. By improving travel options between the two countries, the collaboration has the potential to foster greater tourism and business growth. Both airlines are eager to explore additional ways to cooperate in the future, possibly including shared frequent flyer programs, joint cargo operations, and more.

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, Ethiopian Airlines will operate the new routes with its modern fleet, including the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350-1000. These aircraft are designed to provide comfort and efficiency, allowing passengers to travel with ease. Ethiopian Airlines continues to be a leading player in global air travel, with its hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport offering smooth connections to international and domestic destinations.

Conclusion

This partnership between Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines marks a significant step in improving global travel connectivity. With the introduction of new routes and an expanded network, both airlines are offering passengers more options and greater convenience. This collaboration is set to reshape air travel, making it easier for people to explore new regions, whether for business or leisure. The future looks brighter and more connected thanks to this exciting new partnership.