The service will further strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ presence in Nigeria and enhance air connectivity between West Africa and the airline’s extensive global network through its hub in Addis Ababa.

Services will operate four times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Flight schedule

Port Harcourt, one of Nigeria’s leading commercial and industrial hubs, serves as a key gateway to the country’s energy sector and broader economic activities. The new route will give passengers convenient connections to Ethiopian Airlines’ network across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Nigeria remains one of Ethiopian Airlines’ most significant and longest-served markets in Africa, with the airline launching its first service to the country in 1960. It operates flights to Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Enugu. 

(Source: Ethiopian Airlines)

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Launching in May 2027, flights will operate three times a week from London Gatwick, landing in Kilimanjaro before continuing to Zanzibar. The new routes commence on 29 May and will run through the summer season until 31 October. Fares start from UKP849 return, including taxes and fees.

In addition to these two new destinations in Tanzania, British Airways has announced a 25% increase in capacity to Latin America with the introduction of direct flights to Buenos Aires, Argentina and onward service to Santiago, Chile. Seats will increase on the route to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and flights to San José, Costa Rica will become year-round. 

Customers will also benefit from additional flights on popular routes to Cape Town, South Africa and Las Vegas, US. This enhanced summer schedule takes off in March 2027.

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro Airport is the gateway to Tanzania’s renowned Northern Safari Circuit, one of Africa’s most famed wildlife routes. It includes the Serengeti Wildlife Park, where visitors can witness one of the world’s greatest natural sights, the Great Migration; UNESCO World Heritage Ngorongoro Crater, home to the Big Five; Tarangire National Park, best known for its huge elephant herds; and Lake Manyara National Park.

Nestled in the shadow of the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, this is also the gateway for travellers embarking on climbs of Africa’s highest peak, a natural wonder spanning five distinct climate zones, from lush rainforest and alpine desert to its snow-capped summit.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is famous for its white sandy beaches, exquisite marine life and rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the UNESCO-listed streets of Stone Town, discover the islands’ famous spice plantations, dive or snorkel among colourful coral reefs, and unwind in beachfront resorts overlooking the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. With its relaxed pace of life, the ‘Spice Island’ offers the ideal setting to recharge and reset.

British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer Neil Chernoff said: “Alongside these new routes, we are strengthening our wider long-haul network, adding capacity to several popular destinations across Africa, the Americas and the Caribbean. By increasing frequencies and extending seasonal services, giving customers more choice and flexibility, while deepening London’s connectivity to key destinations around the world.”

Summer 2027 changes

Buenos Aires, Argentina will move to a daily direct service, with an onward tag to Santiago, Chile. Customers will benefit from the only non-stop flights between London and Buenos Aires, plus the convenience of daily services to Santiago, providing more choice and flexibility across South America.

Seat capacity to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will increase as the daily service moves to a dedicated route, without onward tags.

London Heathrow to San José, Costa Rica, becomes a year-round service, at three per week.

London Heathrow to Cape Town, South Africa, increases its summer frequency from seven to 10 flights per week.

London Heathrow to Las Vegas increases from 13 to 14 flights per week.

London Gatwick to Barbados, which launches this October, will continue for the summer 2027 season, including onward tags to Grenada, Guyana and Tobago. London Gatwick to St Lucia continues to operate as a direct service, four times a week for summer 2027.

British Airways has also recently announced two new long-haul destinations which are launching soon. London Gatwick to Colombo, Sri Lanka, will commence on 23 October, and flights from London Heathrow to Melbourne via Kuala Lumpur will begin on 9 January.

Flights will operate on a triangle routing and be flown by a B777 aircraft, offering a choice of three cabins – Club World (business class), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy).

(Source: British Airways)

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Nacala will join the vast Ethiopian network as the airline’s third destination in Mozambique after Maputo and Beira.

Ethiopian will deploy the Boeing B737-8 aircraft for the service, operating the flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays per the schedule below.

Commenting on the new service, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said: “As a pan-African airline, expanding our presence in Mozambique with a third destination is truly a proud moment for us. The commencement of this flight will further strengthen the relationship between the people of Mozambique and Ethiopia and bridge connectivity gaps across Africa and bring every corner of our continent closer to the World.”

Nacala is a vital centre for trade and tourism, and Ethiopian Airlines’ new service will strengthen the city’s economic, commercial, and diplomatic connectivity.

With the largest network in Africa, serving more than 65 destinations across the continent, Ethiopian Airlines continues to play a pivotal role in promoting trade, tourism, and economic integration among African nations, while enhancing connectivity and facilitating business and cultural exchange.

(Source: Ethiopian Airlines).

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The new 13‑key camp is located in Kafue National Park, one of Africa’s largest protected areas, supporting the Government and African Parks’ long‑term ecological restoration in Zambia.

Anantara Kafue is Zambia’s only lodge elevated at least 3.5 metres above the ground, raised on timber platforms to maintain wildlife movement, providing uninterrupted views of the Kafue River. 

Its opening coincides with wildlife restoration initiatives and a steadily recovering wilderness where hippos, elephants, large predators, antelope and over 500 bird species flourish. 

The camp follows a low‑impact, contemporary approach, operating entirely on solar power, using on‑site water purification, bottling and treatment, and eliminating single‑use plastics from the start. 

Anantara Kafue’s signature accommodation, the three Horizon Terrace Suites, are the highest suites in Zambia, each suspended 14.3 metres above the ground and accessed by a glass elevator, with upper‑level star beds and expansive decks. Guests staying in one of the nine Pool and Bush Villas enjoy private plunge pools and dedicated indoor spa rooms, while the 400-square-metre Presidential Villa is designed to offer elevated river views, exclusive boat access and a private spa zone. 

Anantara Kafue is located within Kafue National Park, with private charter flights available from Livingstone or Lusaka to Chunga airstrip. A short domestic flight from Livingstone can also reach the camp. Lusaka International Airport is a four‑hour drive from the property. 

(Source: Minor Hotels)

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Eligible members of Marriott Bonvoy and ShebaMiles, Ethiopian Airlines’ loyalty programme, can convert ShebaMiles into Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays, upgrades, and more, as well as Marriott Bonvoy points to ShebaMiles to book flights.

Members can also choose whether to earn Marriott Bonvoy points or ShebaMiles when staying at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

This collaboration marks a key partnership for Marriott Bonvoy with a leading African airline, connecting Ethiopian Airlines’ network of over 145 destinations with Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 destinations worldwide.

Ethiopian Airlines Group Vice President of Marketing, Rahel Assefa, commented: “The partnership we have established with Marriott Bonvoy is part of our ongoing efforts to advance our vision of enhancing the ShebaMiles member travel experience while diversifying our service offerings. Through this new partnership, our ShebaMiles members will have greater opportunities to earn and redeem their miles through access to Marriott Bonvoy’s global network of hotels across multiple touchpoints and destinations in Africa and around the world. Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to building strategic partnerships with various stakeholders that enhance our service offerings and enable us to exceed our customers’ expectations continually.”

Ethiopian Airlines now enables ShebaMiles members — and Marriott Bonvoy members who convert points to ShebaMiles — to access flight redemptions and cabin upgrades across 25 Star Alliance partner airlines serving more than 1,150 destinations. ShebaMiles members can convert miles to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 2:1 ratio.

Marriott Bonvoy members can convert points to ShebaMiles at a 3:1 ratio and will receive a 5,000 bonus ShebaMiles for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred in a single transaction. On eligible stays at participating Marriott Bonvoy properties, members can earn up to 2 ShebaMiles per US dollar spent, or earn Marriott Bonvoy points as usual.

(Source: Ethiopian Airlines)

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The resumption further restores a key connection between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew noted, “Atlanta is one of the most vibrant markets in the US, and Ethiopian Airlines is delighted to bring this route back into its network. The route serves growing demand from business travellers, members of the African diaspora, and tourists seeking convenient access to destinations across the African continent.”

Atlanta serves as a major economic and cultural centre in the US and hosts one of the largest African diaspora communities in the country. The renewed service will provide convenient travel options for passengers connecting to cities across the southeastern US and onward to destinations throughout Africa via Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates flights to multiple destinations across the US and continues to strengthen its transatlantic network as part of its long-term growth strategy.

The reintroduction of the Atlanta route further enhances the airline’s role as a vital bridge linking Africa with the rest of the world.

Tickets are available through Ethiopian Airlines’ website, mobile app, global ticket offices, Global Customer Interaction Centres, and authorised travel agents.

(Source: Ethiopian Airlines)

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Southeast Asia has emerged as one of South Africa’s fastest‑growing outbound travel source markets, with Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore all showing strong outbound travel growth. Looking forward to 2030, the minister forecast compound annual growth rates of around 8% across most travel segments. 

The region is also among the fastest‑growing air access markets to South Africa, with seat capacity from Asia and Australasia increasing by 37.6% year‑on‑year, signalling growing airline confidence and recovery momentum.

Singapore offers 12 flights weekly on the route to Johannesburg, operated with 259-seat A350-900s. The round-trip economy fare on the route averages USD1670. There are no direct flights from Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur to Johannesburg.

The Minister’s outreach will focus on translating this growth potential into sustained arrivals, deeper partnerships and long‑term economic value for South Africa. The visit will commence on 2 Singapore, followed by engagements in Malaysia from 4 February, before concluding the mission in Indonesia on 6 February.

Strengthening air connectivity 

A key priority of the visit is to unlock growth through stronger air links and aviation partnerships, recognising air access as a critical enabler of tourism growth.

In Singapore, Minister de Lille will hold high‑level engagements with Singapore Airlines and Changi Airport Group to discuss route development, expanding flight frequencies, potential incentive mechanisms and opportunities to strengthen South Africa’s position as a gateway to Africa for Southeast Asian travellers.

Singapore offers 12 flights weekly on the route to Johannesburg, operated with 259-seat A350-900s. The round-trip economy fare on the route averages USD1670. There are no direct flights from Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur to Johannesburg.

In Indonesia, the Minister will engage with multiple international and regional carriers at the ASTINDO Travel Fair in Jakarta, including Singapore Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, Lion Air Group, and the newly established Indonesia Airlines, as well as other carriers operating in the market.

These engagements aim to support connectivity, codeshare opportunities, and joint efforts to stimulate demand across Southeast Asia.

Shaping tourism 

The visit will also reinforce South Africa’s strategy of aligning its tourism offering with the preferences of Southeast Asian travellers, while recognising the region’s diversity.

In Indonesia and Malaysia, engagements will place strong emphasis on Halal‑friendly tourism offerings, luxury travel experiences and tailored long‑haul products, particularly in destinations such as Cape Town, Durban and South Africa’s renowned natural attractions.

In Singapore, a high‑value and mature market, the focus will be on business travel, MICE, repeat visitation, and premium leisure, reflecting Singapore’s role as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia.

Minister de Lille said: “My first official visit to Southeast Asia as Minister of Tourism comes at a time when the region is showing strong growth potential for South Africa. We are here to work closely with our partners to expand air access, align our tourism offerings with market demand, and unlock new opportunities that will foster bilateral trade growth. We are confident that this visit will deliver meaningful outcomes that strengthen our partnerships with the region over the long term.”

Ministerial meetings and trade engagement

During the visit, Minister de Lille will undertake a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts and key stakeholders, including:

A bilateral meeting with Singapore’s Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade & Industry, and the Ministry of National Development, Alvin Tan.

Engagements with the Singapore Tourism Board to exchange insights on destination marketing, events‑led tourism growth and digital platforms.

A bilateral meeting with Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

A bilateral meeting with Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, including the signing of a tourism cooperation MOU to strengthen collaboration between the two countries.

Minister de Lille will also host industry meetings in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, bringing together hotel groups, financial institutions, property developers and investment companies. Discussions will focus on collaboration opportunities across hospitality, eco‑tourism, nature‑based developments and supporting infrastructure.

(Source: South African Tourism)

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Ethiopian Airlines will leverage the 787-9 jets to grow its route network, which currently serves 145 international destinations.

The airline’s latest 787 purchase follows its commitment for 11 737 MAX jets announced at the Dubai Airshow. Both orders were finalised in December 2025 and boost Ethiopian Airlines’ order book by 20 fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft.

“We are pleased to confirm the order for nine Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to expand our existing fleet further. This order underscores our continued commitment to enhancing our fleet with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, thereby further strengthening our customer service,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “We will continue to acquire more aircraft and adopt the latest technologies as part of our strategic vision to advance sustainable aviation.”

Ethiopian Airlines operates Africa’s largest 787 Dreamliner fleet, flying 787-8 and 787-9 jets on intercontinental routes from Addis Ababa to high-demand destinations across Europe, Asia and North America, as well as key intra-African routes.

“The 787 Dreamliner family has proven to be a game-changer for airlines around the world, and we are proud to support Ethiopian Airlines in their mission to connect Africa with the global community,” said Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa Anbessie Yitbarek.

Ethiopian Airlines operates the largest Boeing fleet in Africa and has the continent’s largest backlog of 737 MAXs, 777X and 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

(Source: Boeing)

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With the addition of Lyon, Ethiopian Airlines will expand its network in France to three destinations, in addition to Paris and Marseille, further strengthening its presence in Europe.

Flight schedule

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO  Mesfin Tasew commented: “We are delighted to expand our presence in France with the addition of Lyon to our extensive global network. France has long been a key market for Ethiopian Airlines. With over five decades of connecting the country to Africa and beyond, we remain committed to strengthening our services to and from France and the region.”

Ethiopian Airlines’ flights between Europe and Africa offer seamless connectivity to more than 65 destinations in Africa.

(Source: Ethiopian Airlines)

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The six-suite property in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, A&K Sanctuary’s smallest and most intimate, combines sustainability-focused design with meticulous craftsmanship to create what designers describe as a “living gallery” where the delta itself becomes the artwork. 

Perched on the floodplains of the Boro River at the edge of the Moremi Game Reserve, the rebuilt lodge draws inspiration from Thomas Baines’ artistic legacy. Working in partnership with Luxury Frontiers, the design team has created spaces that frame views of the wetland with such intention that the landscape reads like a series of paintings. 

Architecture as a gallery 

The lodge operates under a concept designers describe as an “African pavilion gallery.” Open-plan spaces defined by columns rather than walls create fluid transitions between indoors and outdoors. Raised on stilts and linked by wooden walkways, the six suites and communal areas have a distinctly nautical feel, transplanted into the reedy, wildlife-rich water-world of the delta. 

 Explore the delta

The lodge’s Explorer’s Lounge is equipped with spotting scopes, interactive maps and a library, whilst Leica binoculars are provided at check-in for wildlife viewing from private decks. A swimming pool extends the watery theme, with sweeping delta views from sun loungers. 

Game drives in the early morning and late afternoon explore one of Africa’s most biodiverse habitats. The Okavango Delta’s wildlife populations are extraordinary: Elephants move through the channels in significant numbers, whilst lions, leopards and wild dogs hold territories across the concession. When seasonal floods transform the landscape between May and September, the 5,800-square-mile patchwork of waterways attracts concentrations of resident and migratory birdlife. 

When water levels permit, traditional mokoro canoe excursions and motorised boat trips offer different perspectives on the delta’s wetland ecology. Scenic helicopter flights reveal the vast scale from above. 

Baines’ Lodge is now accepting bookings. Minimum guest age is 16. The property can be experienced as part of A&K’s signature journeys: A&K Sanctuary Safari — Victoria Falls to the Okavango Delta, or Safari Odyssey Across Southern Africa. 

About AKTG (Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group)
AKTG is a global lifestyle and travel company encompassing premier travel brands, including Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal, Cox & Kings, and Ecoventura, as well as strategic investments in other travel companies. 

About Abercrombie & Kent  
Abercrombie & Kent pioneered luxury adventure travel with its first African safaris in 1962. 

About A&K Sanctuary 
A&K Sanctuary, part of the A&K Travel Group family, owns and operates luxury safari camps and lodges across Eastern and Southern Africa, as well as riverboats in Egypt and Peru. 

(Source: A&K)

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