• Etihad launches daily Abu Dhabi-Addis Ababa flights on Oct 8
• Joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines boosts Africa-Middle East links
• Partnership aims to expand networks, challenge Gulf carrier dominanc
  

Etihad Airways launched operations in Ethiopia on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with the start of daily flights between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Addis Ababa, we’ve landed ?? Daily flights now live, connecting Ethiopia's capital of culture and coffee to the Middle East, Asia & beyond ? #Etihad #BeyondBorders pic.twitter.com/aY7fFmWjGU

— Etihad Airways (@etihad) October 9, 2025

The new route follows a strategic joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, announced in March 2025, aimed at strengthening air links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

Under the partnership, the two airlines now operate two daily flights between the Emirati and Ethiopian capitals, offering passengers seamless connections and wider access to destinations across the three regions.

The collaboration also strengthens Ethiopia’s position as one of Africa’s main air hubs. Guided by Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion strategy, Addis Ababa aims to deepen its links with key global aviation centers. The national carrier plans to expand its network to nearly 207 destinations, up from about 150 today.

Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are working together to establish a stronger air bridge between Africa and the Middle East, amid intensifying competition from Qatar Airways and Emirates. The partnership could reshape competition across their regional markets in the years ahead.

Henoc Dossa