Etihad Airways has made a strong re-entry into the Ethiopian market, launching its new daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, a move that aviation experts say will boost tourism, trade, and business opportunities across the Middle East and Africa.The new service, operated with Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, connects Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), home to the African Union and several international organizations. The inaugural flights ran at full capacity, underscoring robust travel demand between the two capitals.This launch comes as Etihad activates its landmark joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines. Under the agreement, the two flag carriers coordinate flight schedules, jointly develop routes, and offer twice-daily flights, providing greater choice and convenience to passengers while strengthening trade and tourism links.The partnership also opens broader cooperation including loyalty programmes, staff training, and cargo operations, demonstrating a commitment to smoother, more connected travel experiences.Passengers can now seamlessly reach over 55 destinations in 33 African countries via Ethiopian’s Addis Ababa hub, while Ethiopian Airlines customers gain smooth access through Abu Dhabi to more than 20 destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Both carriers operate daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, effectively doubling the frequency.
Flight schedule and aircraft details
| Flight | Departure | Arrival | Aircraft | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EY 0727 (Etihad) | 09:00 AUH | 12:35 ADD | Airbus A320/A321 | Daily |
| EY 0728 (Etihad) | 13:55 ADD | 19:15 AUH | Airbus A320/A321 | Daily |
| ET 615 (Ethiopian) | 04:25 AUH | 07:45 ADD | Boeing 737-8 | Daily |
| ET 614 (Ethiopian) | 21:50 ADD | 03:10(+1) AUH | Boeing 737-8 | Daily |
Etihad Airways new network with access from Abu Dhabi
Addis Ababa is one of Africa’s most vibrant and influential cities, home to the African Union and a bustling diplomatic and business community. Travelers can explore cultural treasures such as the National Museum of Ethiopia, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and the Merkato – the world’s largest open-air market. The city also offers scenic views from the Entoto Hills, tree-lined boulevards, and lively coffeehouses, blending heritage with modern energy. This route makes Addis Ababa both a gateway to Africa and a destination capturing the continent’s spirit.The Abu Dhabi–Addis Ababa flights form a key pillar of Etihad’s strategic growth in Africa. In 2025, Etihad is deepening its presence with increased frequencies to Nairobi (14 weekly flights by December), Casablanca, and Johannesburg, alongside a partnership with Air Seychelles. New North African destinations like Tunis and Algiers will soon join the network, and seasonal flights to Zanzibar will resume in June 2026, further strengthening connectivity across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Key destinations of the new route
African destinations
- Ethiopia (Addis Ababa)
- Kenya (Nairobi)
- South Africa (Johannesburg)
- Morocco (Casablanca)
- Tunisia (Tunis)
- Algeria (Algiers)
- Seychelles (via partnership with Air Seychelles)
- Zanzibar (Tanzania) – seasonal service returning in 2026
Southeast Asian destinations
- Indonesia (Medan in North Sumatra)
- Cambodia (Phnom Penh)
Additional planned routes in Asia include:
- Vietnam (Hanoi)
- Thailand (Chiang Mai, Krabi)
- Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China)
Other new and planned destinations in 2025/2026
- Taiwan (Taipei)
- Saudi Arabia (Medina)
- Kazakhstan (Almaty)
- Azerbaijan (Baku)
- Romania (Bucharest)
- Georgia (Tbilisi)
- Uzbekistan (Tashkent)
- Armenia (Yerevan)
In a press release, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways Antonoaldo Neves, said: “The launch of our daily flights to Addis Ababa creates a bridge between two regions with expanding connections and growing economic relations. It also marks the formal start of our landmark Joint Venture with Ethiopian Airlines, a partnership that will redefine connectivity between Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Together, we are creating more opportunities for trade, tourism and collaboration, while giving our guests access to an even broader network through our respective hubs in Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.”For UAE, this move is strategic. Abu Dhabi continues its rise as a global aviation hub, linking Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The synergy with Ethiopian Airlines cements Etihad’s footprint across Africa, reinforces Abu Dhabi’s status, and creates new opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, officials say.
