ADDIS ABABA- In a major step towards deepening India-Africa aviation ties, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has officially touched down in Hyderabad (HYD). The inaugural flight departed from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport today, June 16, 2025, at 8:43 PM IST. This marks a historic moment for both regions.
With this launch, Hyderabad becomes the airline’s fifth Indian destination after Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai. These new flights further strengthen the bridge between the two rapidly growing markets.
Photo: Ethiopian AirlinesEthiopian Airlines Inaugural Flight to Hyderabad
The atmosphere at the airport was celebratory, as vibrant photos shared by the airline on X captured the essence of the launch. But this route is more than symbolic—it’s strategic. According to IATA, air travel demand between India and Africa has surged by 30% over the past five years.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most consistently profitable airline, is capitalizing on this growth, aiming to become the preferred choice for passengers moving between the two continents.
Hyderabad is a key player in India’s tech and pharma sectors and also a growing center for international students and outbound travelers. For Ethiopian Airlines, it’s a smart addition to its network, tapping into business, educational, and medical travel demand.
For travelers heading to Africa, Addis Ababa is more than just a stopover. It’s a major hub, connecting to over 60% of African cities within three hours. Nairobi, Johannesburg, Lagos, Accra, and many other African Airports.
Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to most destinations on the African continent. With its membership in the Star Alliance, the carrier also offers seamless global connectivity beyond Africa.
Photo: By LLBG Spotter, reduce noise and color balance by Habitator terrae – Ethiopian Airlines ET-AVJ takeoff from TLV (46461974574).jpg (Ethiopian Airlines ET-AVJ takeoff from TLV), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=77235123India-Africa, a Competitive Market
The India-Africa corridor is currently dominated by Gulf carriers. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad together control around 65% of the traffic, according to OAG. These airlines offer daily flights with luxurious services and flexible schedules via their Middle Eastern hubs.
So, what’s Ethiopian Airlines’ edge? Reliability is the first one. The airline is known for its punctuality and high load factors. CAPA India reported a 90% load factor on its Indian routes in 2024. It is not a small feat in today’s competitive environment.
The route will be operated thrice weekly—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—using the Boeing 737 MAX 8. The aircraft features 160 seats across two classes, balancing comfort and operational efficiency.
Photo: London Gatwick AirportBottom Line
Ethiopia’s flag carrier has been on an aggressive expansion spree in recent years. This expansion aligns with the country’s ambition to be Africa’s aviation hub. Meanwhile, India is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world.
Connecting these two powerhouses isn’t just good business—it’s a step toward stronger economic, educational, and cultural exchanges. For Hyderabad’s travelers, this is a new gateway to Africa. For Ethiopian Airlines, it’s one more destination in a country that promises exponential growth.
As the first-ever Addis-Hyderabad flight takes off into the sky, a new chapter in India-Africa connectivity begins.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
Etihad, Ethiopian Plans New Flights Between Addis Ababa and Abu Dhabi
The post Ethiopian Airlines Inaugurates New Flights to these Indian City appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
