Addis Ababa, July 2, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched a new passenger service to Porto, Portugal, expanding its footprint in Southern Europe and enhancing connectivity between Africa and the Iberian Peninsula.
The inaugural ceremony, held today at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, was attended by senior government officials, ambassadors, and executives of Ethiopian Airlines.
The new service will operate four times a week, with a stopover in Madrid, Spain, and will be served by the modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Speaking at the launch event, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer said the new route plays a vital role in strengthening air links between Portugal and Africa, offering seamless connections for travelers and supporting the airline’s broader expansion strategy across Europe.
Portuguese Ambassador to Ethiopia, Luísa Fragoso, hailed the launch as a milestone in bilateral relations.
She highlighted the historic ties between Ethiopia and Portugal, and noted that direct flights to Porto will deepen economic cooperation and foster greater people-to-people engagement.
Until now, Ethiopian Airlines has served Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, through codeshare agreements via European hubs including London and Milan.
The launch of direct service to Porto marks the airline’s first dedicated passenger route to the country.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates approximately 140 weekly passenger flights to 22 destinations across Europe, alongside cargo services to eight destinations.
The addition of Porto further strengthens its presence in the region and underscores its commitment to bridging Africa with Europe and beyond.