Daily flight to Abu Dhabi marks renewed commitment to Ethiopia–UAE partnership, says Ethiopian Airlines Board Chairman

Addis Ababa, July 16, 2025 (FMC) — The launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ new daily passenger service to Abu Dhabi signals a renewed commitment to deepening the longstanding ties between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to the airline’s Board Chairman and Commander-in-Chief of the Ethiopian Air Force, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony held on Tuesday in Abu Dhabi, Lieutenant General Yilma emphasized that the expansion is not merely about increasing flight frequencies, but reflects a broader vision of strengthening diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations between the two nations.

“The Ethiopian–UAE relationship is grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and common aspirations,” he stated. “This new route is a testament to the success of Ethiopian Airlines’ longstanding engagement in the UAE and the trust it continues to earn from the government and people of the Emirates.”

Lieutenant General Yilma also highlighted that the airline’s continued growth is a reflection of Ethiopia’s broader transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

“This milestone underscores Ethiopia’s forward momentum,” he said. “We are laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth, enhanced connectivity, and greater global relevance.”

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, underscored the strategic significance of the new route to Abu Dhabi—describing it as a vital addition to the airline’s expansive network that now links Africa with key global hubs.

“Abu Dhabi is a city of culture, innovation, and opportunity,” he said. “Reintroducing this route is more than resuming a service—it represents a forward-looking partnership between Ethiopia and the UAE, and between Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways.”

Mr. Mesfin recalled that Ethiopian Airlines first began operating flights to Abu Dhabi in 1976, but the service was interrupted. The airline then maintained its UAE presence through Dubai starting in 1979. Today, Ethiopian operates 21 weekly flights to Dubai and, as of June this year, four weekly flights to Sharjah.

“This growing network reflects the rising demand for air connectivity between Africa and the Gulf,” he noted. “We are proud to be at the center of this development, and confident that this renewed service—backed by our strategic joint venture with Etihad Airways—will become one of the most successful and enduring routes in our global operations.”

He further revealed that in just the last two months, Ethiopian Airlines has added four new destinations, with Abu Dhabi being the fifth, demonstrating the airline’s steady expansion driven by advanced aircraft, enhanced digital technology, and a strong commitment to customer service.

Representing the UAE at the inaugural event, Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Mr. Hamad Farid, welcomed the launch of the new service, saying it would unlock fresh opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two capitals, as reported by ENA.

“Ethiopian Airlines has long been a proud ambassador for Africa,” he said. “This new route strengthens regional and global connectivity and marks a major step forward in fostering closer cooperation and shared prosperity between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates.”