Africa will broaden the air horizon to Asia via pioneering codeshare agreements linking prominent destinations such as Addis Ababa, Abu Dhabi, Sydney, Colombo and Kigali.

Monday, June 9th, 2025

Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa

Through the strategic alliance of two well-known airlines based in Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, a codeshare agreement has been implemented that will create important connections between Africa and Asia and have new impacts. The partnership will allow passengers from both airlines to conveniently book integrated travel plans and link these major hubs to a wide range of international destinations. The development represents the first phase of a more ambitious joint venture announced in 2025. It aims to dramatically expand the airline's global footprint.

Fresh flight routes and booking opportunities

Starting from July 15th, 2025, a fresh flight route will open between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport. Additionally, daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Addis Ababa will begin operation on October 8th, 2025. Both routes will be available for immediate booking, offering new travel options and business opportunities for passengers across the region.

A smoother, more convenient travel experience than crossing the continent

One of the key benefits of this codeshare agreement is that travelers simplify the entire travel process and allow them to book their trips with just one ticket. Passengers experience streamlined check-in and eliminate the need for multiple ticketing procedures. Additionally, luggage movements are managed seamlessly, ensuring that luggage is automatically checked to the traveler's final destination. This arrangement significantly reduces general travel stress, especially as it uses long routes connecting Africa, Asia, Australia and the Middle East.

This cooperation is poised to increase the flexibility and convenience of long-distance travel while dealing with the increasing demand for efficient air connections between these regions. It opens new pathways for both leisure and business travelers, promoting tourism growth and promoting cultural and commercial exchanges on a wider scale.

Extended access to diverse destinations

Passengers flying from Abu Dhabi will gain entry into a network of 55 destinations across sub-Saharan Africa through their connections in Addis Ababa. This expanded reach includes notable cities such as Kigali, Kinshasa, Lusaka, Harare, Victoria Falls and Entebbe. Conversely, travelers departing from Addis Ababa can pass through Abu Dhabi and access major cities in the Middle East, including Sydney, Colombo, Krabi and Phnom Penh.

Impact on the travel sector and global travelers

The contract highlights the growing importance of Africa as a rapidly expanding air travel market. It highlights the solid commitment of one airline to deepen its involvement with the African continent and increase its number of destinations and flight frequency throughout 2025. This reflects a broader trend of recognizing the growing importance of Africa in global aviation.

For the Addis Ababa-based airline, the partnership leverages Abu Dhabi's global gateway, giving access to new routes connecting to East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania. This mutual opening in the travel corridor is expected to not only boost tourism, but also stimulate trade and cultural relations between emerging markets in both regions.

Strategic collaboration and future views

Current codeshare agreements are merely the starting point for a wider joint venture that is expected to be rolled out over time. When fully operational, this partnership is likely to cover integrated scheduling, sharing services, and co-marketing strategies, providing travelers with enhanced network-wide options, flexibility and more competitive pricing.

Together, these airlines aim to revolutionize long-distance air travel between Africa and Asia by integrating resources and strengths to provide a unified, vast network of routes. Combined with access to more than 70 destinations, passengers look forward to an easier booking experience, improved service during flight, and an enhanced position for both careers as a key player in intercontinental travel.

The two airlines have created new standards for seamless travel by coordinating operations, making travelling between continents easier than ever. This collaboration represents a groundbreaking shift in air connections, and will have a far-reaching impact on the way travelers explore and do business in these vibrant regions.