Addis Ababa – On March 18, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) announced a new four-fold passenger flight connecting Addis Ababa (Add) to Hanoi (HAN), Vietnam.
The service will begin operation on July 10, 2025, enhancing the presence of airlines in Southeast Asia.
Ethiopian airlines improve global connectivity
The launch of the Hanoi Route will enhance the limited, yet growing direct air connection between Africa and Asia.
Currently, only a handful of carriers operate non-stop flights between the two continents. Of these, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has chosen a Middle Eastern carrier that will lead the expansion alongside Kenya Airlines (KQ) and Egypt Air (MS) and serve as a key bridge.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Africa Airlines, emphasized the importance of this expansion.
“We are pleased to expand our presence in Southeast Asia and strengthen air connectivity for our regional customers. This new route will create strong bonds and opportunities for cooperation between Vietnam and our broad global network.
The new route establishes an important link between Ethiopian Airlines' Addis Ababa (Additional) Hub (Han). This is useful for both business and leisure travelers. The service is intended to boost trade, tourism and cultural exchange between Vietnam and Ethiopia. It also promotes connections with Ethiopia's broad networks in Africa, Europe and the United States.
Expanding Vietnam business
Hanoi Services marks the second destination for Ethiopian Airlines in Vietnam. This complements existing cargo operations in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) that began in 2016.
The airline currently operates freighter service twice a week at commercial hubs in southern Vietnam. This passenger expansion follows years of successful freight businesses that have driven the growth of trade in Africa and Vietnam, particularly electronics, textiles and agricultural products.
The airline will use the modern fleet of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner for the Hanoi Route. This will increase passengers' comfort on long distance travels.
Strengthening relations between Africa and Asia
The development will strengthen Ethiopian Airlines' position as the most connected carrier in Africa and strengthen the airline's global footprint.
Direct links between Africa and Southeast Asia create more efficient one-stop connections for passengers. It also opens new trade and investment opportunities between Vietnam and African countries.
This expansion has established Ethiopian Airlines as an important player in the Asian African Air Corridor. This further strengthens the market's competitiveness in global air travel.
Vietnamese authorities have welcomed the announcement, citing the possibility of increasing tourism from the African market and expanding business opportunities for local businesses looking to enter the African market.
The new service is part of Ethiopian Airlines' strategic vision to expand its network to 140 international destinations by 2026. The focus is the establishment of Addis Ababa as a premier aviation hub that connects Africa to the world.
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