By Janefrances Chibuzor
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier and one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation brands, is pleased to announce the launch of a new passenger service to Jizan, Saudi Arabia, effective February 1, 2026. This expansion increases the airline’s destinations within the Kingdom to five, joining Jeddah, Dammam, Riyadh, and Madinah, and further reinforces its strategic presence in the Middle East.
The new Jizan route will operate four times weekly, offering travellers enhanced access to southwestern Saudi Arabia while connecting the city to Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive global network. Jizan, a major coastal port city, is rapidly becoming a hub for commerce, tourism, and regional growth, making it a vital addition to Ethiopian’s Middle East operations.
Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, said:
“We are delighted to add Jizan, a major coastal port city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to our global network, further strengthening our presence in the Middle East and Gulf region. The launch of this new service will significantly enhance trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties across our global network, while providing convenient flight options to and from Jizan to our valued customers. Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to further expanding and strengthening its connectivity between the regions and beyond.”
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates over 40 weekly passenger and cargo flights to Saudi Arabia and 136 weekly flights to 14 destinations across the Middle East and Gulf region. Its growing footprint is further supported by codeshare partnerships with leading carriers including Saudia, Oman Air, Kuwait Airways, Gulf Air, and Etihad Airways, offering seamless connectivity and expanded travel options for global passengers.
The launch of the Jizan service underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, tourism promotion, and regional integration between Africa and the Middle East. It also aligns with the airline’s broader strategy to offer world-class connectivity and strengthen Addis Ababa’s position as a leading aviation hub linking Africa to the world.
