Etihad Airways Resumes Daily Flights to Addis Ababa, Activating Joint Venture with Ethiopian Airlines

Etihad Airways Re-establishes Abu Dhabi-Addis Ababa Route

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, officially commenced daily flights to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on October 8, 2025. The inaugural flight landed at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), re-establishing a crucial air link after a hiatus of over a decade. This new service connects Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport (AUH) with the Ethiopian capital, reinforcing Etihad's commitment to expanding its African network.

The daily route is operated using narrow-body Airbus A321 aircraft, providing both passenger and cargo capacity. The launch of this route is a significant step in Etihad's broader expansion strategy, making Addis Ababa its 15th new destination in 2025.

Landmark Joint Venture with Ethiopian Airlines Activated

The resumption of flights coincides with the formal activation of a landmark joint venture between Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. This strategic partnership, initially announced and signed on March 19, 2025, aims to redefine connectivity across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Under the agreement, both airlines will coordinate schedules and jointly develop routes, offering passengers enhanced choice and convenience.

Key aspects of the joint venture include:

• Expanded Network Access: Etihad passengers can now access over 55 destinations across 33 African countries via Ethiopian Airlines' hub in Addis Ababa. Conversely, Ethiopian Airlines customers gain streamlined access to more than 20 destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East through Abu Dhabi.
• Coordinated Operations: The agreement paves the way for broader cooperation in areas such as loyalty programs, training, and cargo services.
• Synchronized Schedules: While Ethiopian Airlines commenced its own daily services to Abu Dhabi on July 15, 2025, the joint venture ensures synchronized schedules to optimize connections for travelers.

Statements from Leadership and Market Impact

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, highlighted the significance of the new route, stating, 'The launch of our daily flights to Addis Ababa creates a bridge between two regions with expanding connections and growing economic relations.' He further emphasized that the partnership with Ethiopian Airlines 'will redefine connectivity between Africa, the Middle East and Asia.' Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, echoed this sentiment, noting the collaboration builds on Ethiopian's 'unrivaled regional network' and fosters strong bilateral relations.

This strategic move by Etihad Airways intensifies competition within the African aviation market, where other Gulf carriers like Emirates and Qatar Airways are also actively expanding their presence. The re-entry into the Ethiopian market is part of Etihad's broader African expansion, which includes increased frequencies to cities like Nairobi, Casablanca, and Johannesburg, and the introduction of new routes to Tunis and Algiers. The initiative aims to strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural links between the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia.