In a bold move to show signs of aggravation between Africa and the Middle East, Etihad Airlines has announced a drastic African growth strategy, focusing on its first joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines. The Landmark Partnership positions Etihad as a major competitor of long-term connectivity and commercial value across the continent, along with a significant expansion of Africa's footprint.
The first of air diplomacy: Etihad + Ethiopian Airlines
The Etihad Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines joint venture, scheduled to be launched in operational terms in the third quarter of 2025, is the first between African and Middle Eastern Airlines. It reflects a strategic pivot towards long-term collaboration rather than competition.
Under this Agreement:
The partnership will begin flooding into a seamless passenger movement between Etihad's robust Asian Australian network and the vast African coverage of 90 Ethiopia destinations. For both travelers and freight, the joint venture offers a bridge between the continent and unparalleled connectivity.
Rapid network expansion across the continent
Etihad is actively increasing its African operations with 70% increase in flights compared to 2024 levels. This includes both frequency boosts and new market entries.
Nairobi: Double 14 flights starting December 15th, 2025. It's a year after the launch.
Casablanca: Add 3 more flights.
Johannesburg: Earn 4 flights a week.
Seychelles: Adding four flights a week through our partnership with Air Seychelles.
New destinations: Algiers, Tunis and Al Alamein have been added to the network, expanding the Etihad footprint to North and Northeast Africa.
Possibility of a growing market in Africa
Africa is not just a stopover, it is a market of enormous strategic value. The numbers tell the story:
Ethiopian airlines alone operate 25 million seats a year, connecting to 130 global destinations.
Ethiopia, the new hub for JV, has a population of 133 million, ranked 10th in the world.
Passenger demand from Ethiopia to the world is expected to grow at a combined annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4% between 2025 and 2030.
Overall global demand from Africa is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7%.
These numbers highlight the ripe continental aviation boom of comprehensive and competitive connectivity solutions.
Etihad's unique value proposition
The value of Etihad in Africa lies not only in flights but in strategic complementarity. This partnership is more than just a codeshare. It's a fusion of strengths.
Ethiopian airlines bring about scale within Africa and have not reached unparalleled with other carriers on the continent.
Etihad links Africa to the United Arab Emirates and beyond, particularly in fast-growing markets such as the Gulf, Asia and Australia.
The result is a triple value stream.
The advantage of the UAE megahub, particularly access to the corridors in Dubai/Abu Dhabi.
Very competitive service delivery in the Asia-Pacific and Australian sectors.
Optimized hub adjustments will capture the progressive market for the African European route.
This is a vision coordinated not only for modern travelers, but also for the trade corridors, diaspora communities and tourism industries at both ends of the route.
