Addis Ababa – In a major step towards deepening the aviation ties between India and Africa, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has officially landed in Hyderabad (HYD). The first flight departed from Addis Ababa Bore International Airport on June 16, 2025 at 8:43pm. This marks a historic moment for both regions.
The launch will make Hyderabad 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.
Ethiopian Airlines first flight to Hyderabad
The atmosphere at the airport was a celebration. Because the vibrant photos shared by X's airlines captured the true nature of the release. However, this route is not symbolic. It's strategic. According to the IATA, demand for air travel between India and Africa has skyrocketed 30% over the past five years.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa's largest and most consistently profitable airline, is taking advantage of this growth and aiming to be a favourable choice for passengers traveling across two continents.
Hyderabad is a key player in India's technology and pharmaceutical sector and is also the growth of the centre for international students and outbound travelers. For Ethiopian airlines, it is a wise addition to its network, leveraging the demands of business, education and medical travel.
For travelers heading to Africa, Addis Ababa is more than just a stopover. It is a major hub and connects to more than 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 a membership in the Star Alliance, the career also offers seamless global connectivity beyond Africa.
India and Africa are highly competitive markets
The corridors in India and Africa are currently controlled by Gulf airlines. According to the OAG, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad together control about 65% of traffic. These airlines offer daily flights with luxurious service and flexible schedules through their Middle Eastern hubs.
So, what is the edge of Ethiopian Airlines? Reliability is the first. Airlines are known for their punctuality and high load factors. CAPA India reported a load factor of 90% on the Indian route in 2024. It's not a small feat in today's competitive environment.
The route will run three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday using the Boeing 737 Max 8. The aircraft has 160 seats in two classes, balancing comfort and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
Ethiopia's flag carrier has been actively expanding in recent years. This expansion coincides with the country's ambition to be an African aviation hub. Meanwhile, India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world.
Not only does it connect these two great powers, but it's not just good business, but economic, educational and cultural interactions, which are a powerful step towards. For Hyderabad travelers, this is a new gateway to Africa. For Ethiopian airlines, it is another destination in the country that promises exponential growth.
As Addis Hyderabad's first ever flight into the air, a new chapter of Indo-Africa connectivity begins.
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