In a high-flying move set to revolutionize intercontinental travel, Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have officially launched a codeshare agreement, bringing Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Middle East closer than ever. With this game-changing partnership, passengers can look forward to seamless journeys, simplified bookings, and unmatched global connectivity—beginning July 15, 2025, when Ethiopian Airlines starts flying to Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, followed by Etihad’s debut of daily flights to Addis Ababa on October 8.
This collaboration isn’t just about seat-sharing; it’s about network supercharging. Etihad passengers will unlock access to 55 African destinations across 33 countries—think Entebbe, Kigali, Kinshasa, Harare, and Victoria Falls—via Ethiopian’s extensive hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Meanwhile, Ethiopian Airlines passengers can now fly smoother than ever into Etihad’s Asian, Australian, and Middle Eastern strongholds, including hot spots like Sydney, Krabi, Colombo, and Phnom Penh—all through a single booking and one check-in process, with baggage sailing to the final destination like magic.
This isn’t just step one—it’s the first takeoff toward a full-fledged Joint Venture, agreed in March 2025, which will further strengthen ties between the two aviation giants and their respective continents. As Etihad’s Chief Revenue Officer, Arik De, pointed out, this partnership will enhance flexibility for travelers while bolstering trade and tourism flows across some of the world’s fastest-growing air travel corridors.
Both carriers are investing in next-gen travel experiences that merge convenience with expanded reach. For Africa especially—where demand for air travel is surging—this pact is an opportunity to leapfrog barriers and connect communities, businesses, and cultures.
In short, this isn’t just an airline deal. It’s a cross-continental handshake in the clouds, redefining what it means to fly smarter, farther, and with more freedom. With the skies wide open and partnerships this powerful, passengers are in for a new era of effortless, globe-trotting excellence.
