SINGAPORE, 17 July 2025: Ethiopian Airlines announced Tuesday the launch of its new daily passenger service connecting Addis Ababa with Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
The inaugural flight marks a significant milestone in Ethiopian Airlines’ efforts to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
The new route was celebrated with a launch event held at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, attended by Yilma Merdassa, Chairman of the Ethiopian Airlines Board; Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines; senior Ethiopian Government officials and representatives from the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew stated: “The launch of our new service to Abu Dhabi reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic commitment to connecting Africa with the world. Through our collaboration with Etihad Airways, we are creating more opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism between our nations while offering our passengers expanded choice and convenience. This partnership is a powerful example of what can be achieved when two national carriers come together to unlock mutual growth.”
FLight schedule
Flights are daily using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with 160 seats. Flight time: Four hours and 20 minutes
ET614 departs from Addis Ababa (ADD) at 2150 and arrives in Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 0310.
ET615 departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 0445 and arrives in Addis Ababa (ADD) at 0745.
This new daily service to Abu Dhabi expands Ethiopian Airlines’ already extensive operations in the Gulf region. The airline currently operates over 100 weekly passenger flights to 13 destinations across the Middle East and the Gulf. In June 2025, Ethiopian also launched a new four-times-weekly passenger service to Sharjah.
With the Addition of Abu Dhabi, Ethiopian now operates flights to/from four airports in three cities in the UAE: Dubai, Dubai International Airport DXB & Al Maktoum International Airport DWC (cargo), Sharjah, and now Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport.
This new route is part of a landmark joint venture agreement between Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways, which supports the joint development and expansion of routes between Ethiopia and the UAE, thereby strengthening connectivity across their respective global networks.
Etihad plans Addis Ababa flights
Etihad Airways schedules a new daily service between Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa starting on 8 October 2025 using a 180-seat A321.
Flight schedule
EY727 will depart from Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 0900 and will arrive in Addis Ababa at 1235.
EY728 will depart from Addis Ababa (ADD) at 1355 and arrive in Abu Dhabi at 1915.
