Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines announced a new joint venture aimed at strengthening air travel links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The partnership includes a codeshare agreement and expanded flight routes to enhance connectivity for passengers.
As part of this collaboration, Ethiopian Airlines will launch direct flights between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) and Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu-Dhabi, beginning July 15, 2025. These flights will be operated using Ethiopian’s modern fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A350-1000s.
Etihad Airways will follow suit, introducing its own daily service on the same route starting October 1, 2025. This expansion is expected to strengthen ties between the two regions while offering travelers more options through both airlines’ networks.
Beyond direct flights, the partnership will explore additional routes between Ethiopia and the UAE, pending regulatory approvals. Destinations under consideration include key African cities served by Ethiopian Airlines, such as Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Kinshasa, and Lusaka. Meanwhile, travelers flying with Etihad could benefit from enhanced connectivity to cities such as Colombo, Islamabad, and future routes to Phnom Penh and Krabi.
Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating: “The launch of flights between Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi connects our growing networks, making travel more seamless for our customers. It also opens doors for deeper cooperation, including frequent flyer programs, training, and cargo services.”
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the collaboration: “This partnership reinforces our commitment to strengthening ties between Ethiopia and the UAE while boosting economic growth. With over 120 weekly flights to the Middle East and Gulf region, we remain dedicated to providing exceptional service and connectivity for our customers.”