Sunday, July 6th, 2025
Ethiopian Airlines will strengthen aviation relations in Africa and Europe by launching four Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights connecting Addis Ababa to Porto through Madrid, addressing the key connectivity gap between sub-Saharan Africa and Northern Portugal. The new route will extend the airline's European footprint beyond its major capitals and provide a key direct link to passengers and cargo between Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. By strategically choosing Portugal's second largest export hub and including technical stops in Madrid, the airline will support increased trade, diaspora travel and tourism, while dispersing access to Africa from middle European cities.
Ethiopian Airlines expands its European network with Porto launch via Madrid
Ethiopian Airlines, the Ethiopian flag carrier and one of Africa's largest and most globally connected airlines, has expanded its footprint in Europe by launching a new route between Addis Ababa and Porto, Portugal. This latest development will strengthen the airline's strategic ambition to connect Africa with underserved European regions, while at the same time strengthening trade, tourism and diaspora travel links.
The new route, officially launched in July 2025, operates four times a week using the airline's cutting-edge Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The flight runs west through a technology stop in Madrid, Spain, before heading towards Porto. The move will make Porto the second Portuguese city served by the Ethiopian airline, complementing its long-term service to Lisbon.
Improved connectivity between Africa and northern Portugal
This addition to the network is particularly important as it marks Ethiopian Airlines' first venture into North Portugal. Porto, the country's second busiest airport and the leading economic hub, is currently gaining direct air access to sub-Saharan Africa through Ethiopia's robust Addis Ababa hub.
For years, travelers in northern Portugal have limited direct options to reach Africa, and often have to connect through Lisbon and other major European airports. Ethiopia's Portroot makes passengers enjoy far more direct and convenient alternatives with business and personal ties with African countries, particularly Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau.
Porto's catchment also includes parts of northwest Spain, and the service is beneficial for travelers in Galicia and surrounding areas. This transnational attraction adds more value to the route and leverages the African-style diasuria customer base with wider Portuguese speaking.
Flight Schedule and Service Details
The new route will work on a four times the schedule every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Autbound Flight, ET712, departs from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport at 1:35am local time and arrives in Madrid at 7:55am. After a short technical halt of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, the aircraft departs from Madrid at 9:10am and arrives in Porto at 10am local time.
Return leg, ET713, is a non-stop service from Porto to Addis Ababa, departing at 9:10pm and arrives in the Ethiopia capital at 6am the following day. This route is provided by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. It is known for its fuel efficiency, reduced cabin noise and advanced passenger comfort.
The strategic value of the Porto of freight and commercial
Ethiopian Airlines is not only focusing on passengers in this launch. The route has strong commercial value, especially in terms of cargo. Northern Portugal has major industries such as textiles, fresh food and industrial components. All of these benefit from efficient air freight links.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft operating on this route can carry 28-36 LD3 containers or 9-11 standard pallets per flight. This cargo capacity is consistent with the region's export-oriented economy and strengthens Ethiopia's trade link with Europe.
Porto itself has Portugal's second largest export economy and operates one of the busiest ports on the Iberian Peninsula. Ethiopian airlines can leverage this growing freight demand to potentially introduce dedicated freight services in the future and further integrate them into regionally expanding freight networks.
Decentralization into Africa with a focus on secondary cities
Ethiopian Airlines has long pursued a strategy to diversify its European network beyond its typical capitals and major hubs. Recent additions include services to Geneva, Manchester and now Porto. All cities are relatively underserved by direct flights to Africa, with strong diaspora connections, increased economic potential.
By entering the secondary market, airlines not only open new travel corridors, but also support economic decentralization, empowering local travelers and businesses. These routes often start with limited frequencies, allowing airlines to assess performance, adjust based on demand, and expand if feasible.
In Porto's case, the airline's decisions reflect deep market research focusing on unmet demand, linguistic and cultural connections, and long-term trade possibilities. This fits well with the vision of Ethiopian airlines turning Addis Ababa into a hub for African Airlines, linking the continent to Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States.
The advantages of Lusophone Diaspora and West Africa
Portugal has a prominent African diaspora, particularly from Rusophonian countries such as Angola, Mozambique and Guinea-Bissau. Many of these communities are located in both Lisbon and Porto. With the launch of a direct flight from Porto, Ethiopian Airlines will strengthen its relationship with this diaspora, making it easier to visit families, do business, and travel to return home on holidays.
Additionally, Porto Services is well positioned to serve travelers from West Africa to Europe. Addis Ababa's Ethiopian hub offers excellent advancement connections with cities such as Accra, Abidjan, Lagos and Dakar. Therefore, the Portroot acts as a valuable transport corridor for both eastbound and westbound travelers seeking seamless connections.
Ethiopian Airlines has strengthened the African European Airlines link by launching four weekly Dreamliner flights from Addis Ababa to Porto via Madrid, filling key gaps in connectivity and promoting trade, tourism and diaspora trips.
Outlook and future outlook
Whether the Portroot will exceed four flights per week will depend on how well it will work in the coming months. Ethiopian airlines may monitor passenger loads, cargo volumes and seasonal trends to determine their long-term commercial viability.
Still, the launch reflects the airline's trust in connectivity in Europe and Africa and its commitment to opening new regions through efficient and reliable services. As one of the few African airlines with a truly global reach, Ethiopian Airlines continues to set high standards in network expansion, passenger service and aviation excellence.
Ethiopian Airlines' launch of a new Portroot marks another milestone in its mission to bury Africa in the world. By connecting Northern Portugal to more than Addis Ababa, the airlines will increase convenience, promote regional trade, and bring Africa closer to the Iberian Peninsula. With a strong combination of passenger and cargo possibilities, the Portroot has all the necessary elements for long-term success.
«Did you enjoy this post? Follow us and don't miss future posts »
Tags: Addis Ababa, African European Route, African Airlines, African Diaspora Travel, Dreamliner Services, Ethiopian Airlines, Iberian Peninsula Flight, Lisbon Airport, Madrid Stop, Portugal Travel, Portugal Airport, Portugal Travel, African Flight in Sub-Saharan
