Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier and one of the fastest-growing airline brands in the world, has launched a new daily passenger service connecting Addis Ababa with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The inaugural flight marks a major milestone in the airline’s strategic expansion across the Middle East and Gulf region. To commemorate the launch, a colourful ceremony was held at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, attended by high-level dignitaries including His Excellency Lieutenant General Yilma Merdassa, Chairman of the Ethiopian Airlines Board; Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines; senior officials from the Ethiopian Government; representatives from the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia; and executives of the airline.
In his remarks at the ceremony, Mr. Mesfin Tasew said the new route underscores the airline’s continued commitment to connecting Africa with the rest of the world. “The launch of our new service to Abu Dhabi reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic commitment to connecting Africa with the world. Through our collaboration with Etihad Airways, we are creating more opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism between our nations while offering our passengers expanded choice and convenience. This partnership is a powerful example of what can be achieved when two national carriers come together to unlock mutual growth,” he said.
With the addition of the Abu Dhabi route, Ethiopian Airlines expands its already strong presence in the Gulf. The airline now operates over 100 weekly passenger flights to 13 destinations across the Middle East and Gulf region. In June 2025, Ethiopian also launched a four-times-weekly passenger service to Sharjah. With the Abu Dhabi service now operational, the airline serves four airports in three UAE cities: Dubai (via Dubai International Airport, DXB, and Al Maktoum International Airport, DWC, for cargo operations), Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, through the state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport.
The new route is part of a landmark joint venture agreement between Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways, designed to deepen cooperation between the two national carriers. The partnership aims to jointly develop and expand routes between Ethiopia and the UAE while strengthening connectivity across their respective global networks.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to demonstrate its leadership in African aviation, delivering on its mission to bring Africa closer to the world through superior connectivity, service excellence, and strategic partnerships.
