Etihad & Ethiopian: New Codeshare, Flight Connections

DALLAS — Etihad Airways (EY) and Ethiopian Airlines (ET) signed a promising partnership agreement early last week. This agreement includes a codeshare arrangement between the two national carriers to enhance air connectivity between Africa and the Middle East.

The partnership agreement between these two airlines envisions the launch of new flights connecting the capitals of Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates, implementing frequent routes between Bole Addis Ababa International Airport (ADD) and Zayed International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi. Both airports are major global aviation hubs, with Addis Ababa gradually emerging as the largest hub in Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines will commence flights from Addis Ababa to Abu Dhabi on July 15, 2025, while EY will begin daily flights to Addis Ababa on October 1, 2025. Ethiopian Airlines management has announced that flights on these new routes will be operated using Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

Once regulatory approval is obtained, this codeshare agreement will serve as a foundation for expanding cooperation between EY and ET and increasing the number of routes between Ethiopia and the UAE.

Statements from Etihad & Ethiopian Airlines Management

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, stated:
"This joint partnership is great news for customers of both airlines. The launch of flights between the two great cities, Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi, connects our expanding networks, providing our passengers with seamless access to a growing list of destinations through our major hubs. It also paves the way for deeper discussions on cooperation in various areas, including loyalty programs, training, and the cargo sector."

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, commented:
"As part of our strategy to strengthen Ethiopian Airlines' global presence, launching a new route to Abu Dhabi marks our third destination in the UAE, following Dubai and Sharjah (cargo). With over 120 weekly passenger and cargo flights to the Middle East and Gulf states, we are committed to providing exceptional connectivity and service to our customers."

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