Ethiopian Airlines Inaugurates New Flight Route to Abu Dhabi

Addis Ababa, July 15, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopian Airlines officially commenced operations of a new daily passenger service to Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking a significant expansion of its global network.

The launch ceremony took place at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, featuring attendance by prominent figures including Lt.-Gen. Yilma Merdasa, Ethiopian Airlines Group Board Chairman; Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO; Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Director General of Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Hamad Albadawi, Director of the UAE Visa Center; alongside officials and delegates from the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia and senior executives of Ethiopian Airlines.

This new route strategically enhances Ethiopian Airlines’ connectivity across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, offering passengers seamless travel options and strengthening socio-economic ties between these regions.

Addressing attendees at the event, Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized that the Abu Dhabi route is a cornerstone of the airline’s joint venture partnership with Etihad Airways. “This milestone exemplifies our ongoing commitment to bridging Africa with key global markets through expanded networks and superior passenger service,” he stated.

Mesfin further highlighted the route’s role in fostering deeper bilateral relations between Ethiopia and the UAE, boosting trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange.

Lt. General Yilma Merdasa reflected on the airline’s pivotal role as a connector between continents. “The Abu Dhabi service reinforces the renewed spirit of cooperation between Ethiopia and the UAE, anchored in shared values and mutual growth,” he noted.

Representing the UAE, Hamad Farid, Deputy Head of Mission at the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia, welcomed the launch as a testament to both countries’ dedication to enhancing regional and international connectivity. He praised Ethiopian Airlines as a distinguished ambassador for Africa, whose expanding network strengthens trade and people-to-people ties.

Abu Dhabi becomes Ethiopian Airlines’ third destination in the UAE, complementing existing flights to Dubai and Sharjah, and is now the airline’s 145th global destination, underscoring its growing strategic footprint in connecting Africa with the wider world.