Ethiopian Lands in Port Louis, Opening New Era of Ethiopia–Mauritius Connectivity

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopian Airlines has officially inaugurated its first direct flight from Addis Ababa to Port Louis, landing at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport.

The first-ever inaugural flight marks a historic milestone in air connectivity between Ethiopia and Mauritius.

The arrival of the inaugural flight was celebrated by government officials, aviation executives, diplomats, business representatives, invited guests, and members of the public, who gathered at the airport to witness the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations.

The new direct service will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, it was learned.

The new service is also expected to offer travelers greater convenience, while providing seamless connections through Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa hub to destinations across Africa and beyond.

 

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Commercial Officer, Lemma Yadecha said the airline is delighted to launch the Addis Ababa–Mauritius service.

 The officer described  it as an important step toward strengthening economic and social ties between the two countries.

He said the new route will enhance business-to-business partnerships, expand tourism opportunities, encourage investment, and facilitate trade between Ethiopia and Mauritius, while reaffirming Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to connecting Africa with itself and with the global community.

For his part, Mauritius’ Minister of Tourism, Christian Harold Richard Duval, also welcomed the launch of the new route, describing it as the beginning of a new chapter for tourism, connectivity, and cooperation across Africa.

He said the direct service will create new opportunities for tourism growth, deepen economic collaboration, and bring African nations closer together.

The Minister further praised Ethiopian Airlines for its longstanding contribution to African aviation and its continued role in linking the continent with the wider world.

With the launch of the Port Louis route, Ethiopian Airlines further expands its extensive African network, serving more than 60 destinations across the continent as part of its global passenger and cargo network of over 145 destinations across five continents.

 

The new connection is expected to boost tourism, facilitate trade and investment flows, and strengthen Mauritius’ role as a strategic gateway linking the Indian Ocean region with Africa and the global economy.

Many observers view the Addis Ababa–Port Louis route as another milestone in Africa’s journey toward greater integration, highlighting the role of aviation as a powerful catalyst for economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and shared prosperity.

More importantly, beyond the launch of a new air route, the historic flight represents a stronger bridge between Ethiopia and Mauritius, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, business partnerships, and people-to-people exchanges, it was indicated.