‍ADDIS ABABA — Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has officially launched its inaugural nonstop passenger service to Hanoi, Vietnam, effective from July 10, 2025, marking the airline’s first route to Vietnam and its 20th destination in Asia.

Flights are scheduled four times weekly, operating on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), with return journeys from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The route is served using the fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Background, Strategic Expansion

Ethiopian Airlines (ET), the largest carrier in Africa and one of the fastest expanding globally, is steadily growing its international network. With Hanoi now added to the map, the airline strengthens its position as a vital link between Africa and Southeast Asia, adding to its existing services to major Asian cities like Beijing (PEK), Tokyo (HND), Singapore (SIN), and Hong Kong (HKG).

This Hanoi route is part of Ethiopian’s broader expansion agenda, which also includes recent additions like Hyderabad (HYD), Porto (OPO), and Sharjah (SHJ), underscoring its pan‑continental reach across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

CEO Statement, Vision

At the launch ceremony held in Hanoi on July 11, Group CEO Mesfin Tasew expressed enthusiasm:

“We are pleased to expand our presence in Southeast Asia and enhance air connectivity for our customers in the region. This new route will create opportunities for stronger ties and collaborations between Vietnam and our extensive global network. We look forward to bringing our renowned service to Vietnam and further growing our presence in this dynamic market.”

Connectivity, Tourism, Trade Benefits

This new Addis Ababa–Hanoi flight is going to make it way easier to move people and business between the two regions; think more trade, tourism, and culture flowing both ways. Also: 

• For people in Vietnam, it opens up a bunch of new connections across Africa, Europe, and even the Americas, all through Addis Ababa.
  
• On the other side, it gives Ethiopian and African travelers a smoother way into Southeast Asia’s growing markets, so no more long detours.
  
• It’ll probably lead to more deals, more travel, and just better ties overall as Africa and Southeast Asia get more connected.

At the launch, Vietnamese aviation officials pointed out that the new route could give a real boost to tourism, business ties, and cultural exchange, making it a lot easier for travelers from Southeast Asia to explore Africa’s diverse destinations.

Flight Schedule at a Glance 

Outbound Flights (ET 0678)

• Segment: ADD to DAC
  
  • Days Operated: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
  • Departure Time: 22:30 (ADD)
  • Arrival Time: 08:25 (+1)
  • Aircraft: Boeing 787
    
• Segment: DAC to HAN
  
  • Days Operated: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
  • Departure Time: 09:30 (DAC)
  • Arrival Time: 13:10
  • Aircraft: Boeing 787

Inbound Flights (ET 0679)

• Segment: HAN to DAC
  
  • Days Operated: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
  • Departure Time: 14:10 (HAN)
    
    
  • Arrival Time: 15:50
  • Aircraft: Boeing 787
    
• Segment: DAC to ADD
  Days Operated: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
  
  • Departure Time: 16:50 (DAC)
  • Arrival Time: 21:35
  • Aircraft: Boeing 787

Ethiopian’s Broader Network, Vision

Ethiopian Airlines started back in 1946 and now flies to more than 160 destinations around the world. They've got a solid fleet with modern aircraft like the Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s.
They’re part of Star Alliance and have been named Africa’s best airline by Skytrax for eight years straight.

With its Vision 2035 plan, ET is working to lock in its place as a significant global player, building more hubs across Africa and teaming up with international partners to grow its reach.

Looking Ahead

Now that the Hanoi route’s up and running, Ethiopian Airlines is making it clear it wants a stronger foothold in one of the fastest-growing regions out there. 

This direct link should give a good push to tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange between Africa and Southeast Asia, all while backing the airline’s bigger goal of breaking into the world’s top 20 aviation groups.

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