07: 05: 2026
Ethiopian Airlines has raised air freight tariffs by 20 percent on perishable exports, a move expected to increase logistical costs for horticultural exporters across the region as the sector grapples with rising global transport expenses.
The revised pricing, which took effect in April 2026, applies to goods classified under Price Class PEF and directly affects exporters shipping highly perishable products to key markets in Europe and the Middle East. The increase reflects mounting operational pressures, including elevated fuel prices, insurance premiums, and broader aviation-related cost escalations.
For exporters of fresh produce such as greenhouse tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and cut flowers, air freight remains a critical link to international buyers where timing and cold-chain integrity are non-negotiable.
Air freight pricing operates on a tiered volume structure, with rates charged per kilogram declining as shipment volumes rise. This means smaller consignments in the +45kg and +100kg categories will feel the sharpest impact, while larger consolidated shipments may partially cushion the increase through economies of scale.
For more than two decades, Ethiopian Airlines has played a central role in East Africa’s perishables export logistics, providing cargo connectivity to major gateways including Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, Frankfurt Airport, and Dubai International Airport.
Mekonnen Solomon said the tariff adjustment reflects genuine external pressures, but acknowledged the strain it places on exporters.
“The airline has enabled Ethiopia to position itself as a reliable origin for perishable exports through speed, connectivity, and cost efficiency,” he said. “This adjustment, while operationally justified, places additional pressure on an already cost-sensitive export system.”
He noted that many exporters built their pricing models around relatively stable freight assumptions, and the latest increase is widening the gap between production costs and buyer expectations.
Regional Comparison
The adjustment places Ethiopian exporters in a more delicate competitive position when compared to regional peers.
Kenya Airways, through its cargo division, has maintained comparatively stable freight pricing over recent seasons, supported by strong cargo partnerships and direct connectivity to European flower auctions. This has helped sustain Kenya’s competitiveness in floriculture exports despite mounting production costs.
Meanwhile, carriers serving Rwanda and Uganda, including regional cargo operators working through Kigali International Airport and Entebbe International Airport, generally operate at smaller scale and often face higher per-unit freight costs. However, some exporters there benefit from niche consolidation arrangements and targeted government export incentives.
Compared to Gulf carriers such as Qatar Airways Cargo and Emirates SkyCargo, Ethiopian Airlines has historically remained more affordable for African perishables exporters. Even with the 20 percent increase, its extensive African network and frequency advantages still make it one of the region’s most strategic cargo partners.
Need for Strategic Response
Mekonnen emphasized that coordinated action is now necessary.
“Structured dialogue between logistics providers, policymakers, and exporters is essential to align short-term responses with long-term sector stability.”
Among the options under discussion are stronger shipment consolidation systems, temporary freight support mechanisms, expanded cargo capacity, and more flexible commercial arrangements to absorb fuel and currency volatility.
He also warned against overdependence on a limited number of logistics channels.
“Reliance on one primary carrier creates efficiency, but also concentration risk under volatile global conditions.”
The coming months will reveal whether the tariff adjustment is a temporary correction or the beginning of a broader structural shift in East Africa’s air freight economics — a development that could disproportionately affect smaller greenhouse exporters already operating on thin margins.