Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have entered into a strategic codeshare agreement aimed at expanding global travel access between Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. The announcement marks a significant milestone for both national carriers as they align to streamline operations and enhance passenger connectivity.
As part of the new arrangement, Ethiopian Airlines will launch direct flights between Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi starting July 15, while Etihad Airways is set to begin its own daily service on the same route from October 1st.
This mutual route expansion will enable travelers to enjoy seamless access across each airline’s extensive network using a single ticket and unified baggage handling services.
The codeshare will allow Etihad passengers to connect to over 50 destinations across Africa via Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa hub including Nairobi, Kigali, Lusaka, and Victoria Falls. In return, Ethiopian Airlines customers will gain greater access to Etihad’s destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Australia through Abu Dhabi.
Executives from both airlines emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership. Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer at Etihad Airways, described the agreement as a “gateway to better travel experiences between Africa and the world,” noting its potential to boost trade and tourism. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew added that the deal would also extend cooperation into areas such as loyalty programs, training, and cargo operations.
This collaboration is part of broader efforts to strengthen air transport ties between the UAE and Africa, reflecting a growing trend of inter-regional alliances aimed at improving global aviation efficiency and competitiveness.
Bookings under the codeshare agreement are now open, with travelers able to reserve integrated itineraries and enjoy coordinated services across both airlines.
