Ethiopian Daily Flight to Abu Dhabi Renews Commitment to Strengthening Ties with UAE, Says Airlines Board Chairman

Addis Ababa, July 16, 2025 (ENA)—The launching of daily passenger flight to Abu Dhabi by the Ethiopian Airlines represents a renewed commitment to strengthening the longstanding ties between Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Ethiopian Airlines Board Chairman and Commander-in Chief of the Ethiopian Air Force, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa, said.

Speaking at the inaugural flight ceremony yesterday, Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa said the expansion is more than just an increase in number of flights, but a renewed commitment to strengthening bonds between Ethiopia and UAE.

 The two countries share not only close diplomatic and economic ties but also shared values and aspirations, he added.

 According to him, the commencement of the new route stands as a testament to the success of Ethiopian Airlines operation in the UAE and the trust earned from the government and people of UAE.

This remarkable performance of Ethiopian Airlines is also a reflection of Ethiopia’s broader transformation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Board chair noted.

“This achievement is also a reflection of Ethiopia’s broader transformation under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed... Ethiopian is, indeed, moving in the right direction, laying foundation for sustainable growth and connectivity and global relevance,” Lieutenant General Yilma stated.

On his part, Ethiopia Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the new route of Ethiopian Airlines to Abu Dhabi, a city rich in culture, innovation, opportunities and strategic significance, is an addition of another vital link in its ever-expanding destination map.

He recalled that Ethiopian first began serving Abu Dhabi in 1976, although its early service faced interruption and was eventually discontinued.

The airline continued its operation into the UAE through Dubai in 1979.

The CEO revealed that Ethiopian operates 21 weekly passenger flights to Dubai, and as of June this year it launched four weekly flights to Sharjah.

This reflects the growing demand for travel between Africa and the UAE, he stated, adding that Ethiopian is proud to be at the heart of this development.

In this respect, the new flight to Abu Dhabi is not only the restoration of the route, which was disconnected due to facing interruptions in 1970s, but also marks a renewed commitment looking for partnership between Ethiopia and UAE as well as the two national carriers, Mesfin said.

“This service is not just a restoration a route, it is a renewed and forward looking partnership between the two countries and the two national carriers (Ethiopian Airlines and Etihad Airways). With the support of all stakeholders and our land mark joint venture with Etihad Airways, we are confident that this connection will become one of the most successful and enduring in our networks.”

 The CEO further disclosed that in the last two months alone, Ethiopian has added four new destinations into its vast global network.

Abu Dhabi is the fifth one, and Ethiopian Airlines will continue expanding its global networks using state-of-the-art airplanes and offering enhanced customer services supported by latest digital technologies, he stated.

 UAE Deputy Head of Mission in Ethiopia, Hamad Farid said the new flight to Abu Dhabi would open new opportunities for trade, tourism and cultural exchange by connecting the two dynamic capital cities, Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi.

 Ethiopian Airlines has long been a proud ambassador for Africa, the deputy head of mission added, elaborating that the new flight showcases commitment to better regional and international connections.

 “It is the biggest step forward in improving air services and creating new chance for cooperation and growth between Ethiopia and UAE.”