Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines have begun their codeshare operations, creating more travel options between Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. The partnership, which officially launched with bookings now open, will give travelers more ways to reach major cities across four regions using either airline.
Ethiopian Airlines will begin direct flights from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Abu Dhabi International Airport on July 15, 2025. Etihad will start daily flights to Addis Ababa on October 8, 2025. These new routes are part of a broader plan that both airlines agreed on in March 2025 to connect their networks through a future joint venture.
The codeshare agreement gives passengers the benefit of booking their entire journey in one step. From the time they check in at their first airport, they can travel through to their final stop without needing to handle their bags again during a layover. This change makes connecting flights between the two airlines more convenient and less time-consuming.
Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Arik De, said, “By leveraging our combined networks, we are unlocking seamless travel opportunities between Africa and Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Easy connections via Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, will enhance flexibility, boosting trade and tourism, and delivering unparalleled travel experiences to guests of both airlines.”
Passengers flying with Etihad will be able to reach 55 destinations in 33 countries through Ethiopian Airlines, using Addis Ababa as a connecting point. These destinations include cities such as Entebbe, Kinshasa, Kigali, Lusaka, Harare, and Victoria Falls.
At the same time, travelers who book flights through Ethiopian Airlines can connect to Etihad-operated routes via Abu Dhabi. From there, they can continue on to 20 cities in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Some of these cities include Sydney, Krabi, Colombo, and Phnom Penh.
Etihad focuses on growing its presence in Africa
Etihad has plans to expand its African route network throughout 2025. The airline will introduce more destinations and increase flight frequencies to support higher demand for air travel in the region. This growth will strengthen access between Africa and international markets across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
This new codeshare partnership between Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines offers added value for travelers looking for easier ways to book and connect between different parts of the world. With daily flights starting soon and more destinations available on both sides, the collaboration sets up both airlines to serve more passengers on more routes.
