Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline in Africa and one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, announced the launch of its new daily passenger service connecting Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
Speaking at the inaugural flight on Tuesday, Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, stated: “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.
This new daily service to Abu Dhabi expands Ethiopian Airlines’ already extensive operations in the Gulf region. The airline currently operates over 100 weekly passenger flights to 13 destinations across the Middle East and Gulf.
In June 2025, Ethiopian also launched a new four-times-weekly passenger service to Sharjah. With the Addition of Abu Dhabi, Ethiopian now operates flights to/from four airports in three cities in the UAE.
This new route is part of a landmark joint venture agreement between Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways, designed to foster closer cooperation between the two carriers. The agreement supports joint development and expansion of routes between Ethiopia and the UAE and strengthens connectivity across their respective global networks, the airline said in a statement.
The airlines said it continues to fulfill its mission bringing Africa closer to the world through superior connectivity, service excellence, and strategic partnerships.
MG/abj/APA