{"id":133111,"date":"2026-02-16T13:01:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T07:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=133111"},"modified":"2026-02-16T03:40:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-15T22:10:43","slug":"ethiopian-airlines-eyes-new-flights-to-this-nation-in-2028","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/16\/ethiopian-airlines-eyes-new-flights-to-this-nation-in-2028\/","title":{"rendered":"Ethiopian Airlines Eyes New Flights to This World Famous Reef Nation with A350"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ADDIS ABABA-<\/strong> Ethiopian Airlines (ET)<\/a> plans to launch direct flights to Australia by 2028, linking Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) with an Australian gateway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The expansion will make Ethiopian Airlines the only African carrier with direct operational presence on all six inhabited continents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Australia route strengthens Addis Ababa as Africa\u2019s leading aviation hub while reinforcing Ethiopia\u2019s economic growth, trade integration, and global influence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ethiopian
Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ethiopian Airlines Australia Direct Flights by 2028<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed plans to enter the Australian market in 2028, closing the final continental gap in a network that already spans Africa, Europe, Asia, North America, and South America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If realised, the airline will become the only African carrier with direct operational presence on every continent, marking both a symbolic and commercial milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to African Leadership Magazine<\/a>, the move reflects aviation ambition aligned with Ethiopia\u2019s broader economic trajectory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For Ethiopian Airlines, the Australia route completes a long-held strategic objective. Network expansion enhances its global brand positioning, strengthens its role within Star Alliance<\/a>, secures high value corporate travel contracts, and integrates intercontinental cargo flows into a seamless global system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Direct Africa to Australia connectivity also reduces reliance on Middle Eastern transit hubs and offers competitive alternatives for trade and tourism flows between Africa and the Asia Pacific region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ethiopian
Photo: Eurospot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Fleet Strategy and Aircraft Constraints<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The airline operates a modern and diversified fleet anchored by Africa\u2019s largest Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, supported by Airbus A350<\/a> aircraft and Boeing 737 Max jets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While narrow-body deliveries continue through 2027, these aircraft cannot support ultra-long-haul Africa to Australia operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew confirmed that at least two large wide-body aircraft are required to launch the route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Delivery timelines from manufacturers extend beyond two years, with suitable aircraft not expected before 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline is exploring leasing options as an interim solution. Long-haul deployment will require aircraft such as the Airbus A350-1000, combined with payload range optimisation, precise fuel planning, and strong connecting passenger feed from Africa and Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two Australian cities have been shortlisted, though final selection depends primarily on aircraft availability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ethiopian
Photo: By Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia – Ethiopian Airlines, ET-AVD, Airbus A350-941, CC BY-SA 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=87491748<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Financial Strength and Network Scale<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ethiopian Airlines remains Africa\u2019s largest and most financially resilient carrier. It reported $7.6 billion in revenue for FY2024\/25, an 8 percent increase, after carrying more than 19 million passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline operates 145 aircraft across 145 global destinations, including over 65 cities within Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It transported more than 785,000 tonnes of cargo and added 13 new aircraft during the fiscal year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Half-year revenue in FY2025\/26 rose 14 percent year on year to $4.5 billion, reflecting sustained profitability in a volatile industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The airline targets over 270 aircraft and 67 million annual passengers by 2035. Unlike regional peers such as Kenya Airways<\/a> and South African Airways<\/a>, Ethiopian Airlines has maintained state ownership while preserving managerial autonomy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This governance structure supports long-term planning, disciplined reinvestment, and consistent fleet modernisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Ethiopian
Photo: Eurospot<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Ethiopia\u2019s Economic Transformation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ethiopia\u2019s economy is projected to reach between $205 billion and $210 billion in 2025, growing at 6.5 to 7 percent annually. With a population of approximately 125 million and a GDP per capita of $1,650, aviation contributes an estimated 5 to 7 percent of the national GDP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ethiopian Airlines serves as the country\u2019s largest foreign exchange earner and supports more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the COVID 19 crisis, it pivoted rapidly to cargo operations, converting passenger aircraft to transport medical supplies and personal protective equipment across continents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This shift sustained foreign currency inflows when other sectors stalled, positioning the airline as a macroeconomic stabiliser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cargo operations have become the logistics backbone of Ethiopia\u2019s export-led industrialisation. The airline supports horticulture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and emerging manufacturing sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its growth aligns with national investments in railways, industrial parks, and manufacturing zones, reinforcing a coordinated development model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Ethiopian Airlines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Infrastructure Expansion and Hub Ambition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) currently handles up to 25 million passengers annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A $12.5 billion mega airport project is underway to expand capacity to between 60 and 100 million passengers, positioning Addis Ababa as a potential competitor to global hubs such as Dubai and Istanbul. Domestic airport upgrades further strengthen national connectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This infrastructure expansion mirrors the airline\u2019s growth trajectory. The integrated model includes cargo services, maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations, an aviation academy, catering services, and ground handling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This diversified ecosystem insulated the airline during global shocks and supports sustained expansion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Boeing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Historical Evolution and Strategic Discipline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 1945 with technical assistance from Trans World Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines has remained majority Ethiopian-owned. Early decades focused on aggressive local training and rapid jet adoption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the liberalisation and state transitions of the 1990s, when many African carriers collapsed, Ethiopian Airlines maintained operational discipline and financial stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its modern transformation was shaped by the Vision 2010 and Vision 2025 strategies, both achieved ahead of schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early adoption of the Boeing 787<\/a> and Airbus A350<\/a>, alongside diversification into cargo, training, and maintenance, strengthened resilience and global competitiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"London
Photo: London Gatwick Airport<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Trade Integration and Long-Term Outlook<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Africa to Asia Pacific trade continues to expand across agriculture, minerals, pharmaceuticals, and tourism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Direct connectivity to Australia will facilitate export flows and strengthen tourism corridors. The route also enhances Ethiopia\u2019s geopolitical visibility and soft power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aircraft delivery bottlenecks, engine shortages, fuel costs, currency pressures, and geopolitical risks remain constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the strategic direction is clear. The Australia expansion by 2028 completes a continental circuit decades in development and reinforces Ethiopian Airlines as a global aviation power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ethiopian Airlines Constructing Largest Airport of Africa Worth $12.5 Billion<\/a><\/blockquote>