ABU DHABI, UAE – July 17, 2025 – Zayed International Airport (AUH) today officially welcomed Ethiopian Airlines’ inaugural flight from Addis Ababa, marking a significant milestone in expanding connectivity between the United Arab Emirates and the African continent. The daily passenger service, which commenced on July 16, 2025, underscores the growing strategic importance of Abu Dhabi as a global aviation hub and strengthens ties with Africa’s largest and most awarded carrier.
The arrival of the Ethiopian Airlines flight was met with a commemorative ceremony at Zayed International Airport, celebrating the new direct link between Addis Ababa, a major African diplomatic and commercial hub, and Abu Dhabi. This new route is expected to significantly boost trade, tourism, and investment between Ethiopia and the UAE.
A Strategic Partnership for Enhanced Connectivity:
The launch of this daily service is a key component of a broader partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways, aimed at improving travel, trade, and investment flows. “The launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ new service is an important step in strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as the gateway to Africa,” stated Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports. “The continent holds immense untapped potential across trade, tourism, and investment, and this partnership enhances connectivity, access, and convenience for travelers.”
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the airline’s strategic commitment to connecting Africa with the world. “This new connection opens the doors to seamless travel between Ethiopia and the UAE and further demonstrates our commitment to serving passengers across key international markets,” he said. The collaboration with Etihad Airways will support coordinated route development, offering passengers greater flexibility and access to both airlines’ extensive global networks. Etihad Airways is also set to launch its own flights to Addis Ababa in October, further solidifying this partnership.
Boosting Business, Leisure, and Diplomacy:
Ethiopian Airlines, recognized as “Best Airline in Africa” by SKYTRAX for the eighth consecutive year in 2025, now operates to four airports across three cities in the UAE: Dubai (DXB and DWC), Sharjah, and the state-of-the-art Zayed International Airport. This expansion significantly enhances Ethiopian Airlines’ already extensive operations in the Gulf region, with over 100 weekly passenger flights to 13 destinations in the Middle East and Gulf.
The new route caters to the increasing demand for travel across Africa and the Middle East, facilitating business, leisure, and diplomatic ties between the two thriving capitals. For Zayed International Airport, which welcomed over 29 million passengers in 2024 and was recently crowned the “World’s Most Beautiful Airport” at the Prix Versailles, the addition of Ethiopian Airlines reinforces its commitment to expanding its global reach and offering a world-class passenger experience.
This inaugural flight marks a pivotal moment, strengthening the bridge between Africa and the UAE, and promising a future of enhanced collaboration and mutual growth in the aviation sector.
