Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new passenger route connecting Addis Ababa to Hyderabad, further expanding its footprint in India. The new service, which began on June 16, 2025, operates three times per week and makes Hyderabad the sixth Indian city served by Africa’s largest carrier.
The inaugural flight was marked by a celebratory ceremony at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, attended by high-level government officials, ambassadors, and aviation executives. With the addition of Hyderabad to its growing India network, Ethiopian Airlines strengthens not only air connectivity but also trade and tourism ties between the two regions.
Expanding African-Indian Connectivity
The new route is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic plan to expand access between East Africa and South Asia. It complements the carrier’s existing services to Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. Flights will operate as follows:
| Flight | Route | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|
| ET 682 | Addis Ababa (ADD) → Hyderabad (HYD) | Monday, Wednesday, Saturday |
| ET 683 | Hyderabad (HYD) → Addis Ababa (ADD) | Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday |
This route not only improves accessibility for travelers between the two nations but also provides seamless onward connections across Ethiopian’s extensive international network spanning five continents. From its hub in Addis Ababa, passengers can connect to destinations across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Why Hyderabad?
Hyderabad, a major tech and cultural hub in southern India, has seen rising international travel demand, both for business and leisure. By adding Hyderabad to its route map, Ethiopian Airlines taps into a fast-growing market with deep historical and economic ties to East Africa.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, emphasized the importance of the new route in strengthening cross-border relationships. “We believe this flight will play a pivotal role in strengthening trade and tourism ties between the two regions,” he said.
India Network at a Glance
Ethiopian Airlines has steadily expanded its presence in India over the years, providing more than 50 weekly passenger and cargo flights. With the inclusion of Hyderabad, the airline now serves six major Indian cities, creating more choice for travelers and businesses alike.
Current Ethiopian Airlines Destinations in India
- Delhi
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Ahmedabad
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
This expanded network enhances flexibility for passengers traveling to and through India, as well as for those moving cargo between the two regions. The new route is expected to facilitate greater trade flows, particularly in pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, and information technology services.
Award-Winning Service and Sustainability Commitment
Recognized as one of Africa’s most successful carriers, Ethiopian Airlines continues to gain global recognition. It has earned Skytrax’s “Best Airline in Africa” for seven consecutive years, along with APEX’s “Best Overall in Africa” award and a recent honor for “Leadership in Connecting Africa through Transport.”
The airline maintains a modern and fuel-efficient fleet that includes Boeing 787s, Airbus A350-900 and A350-1000 aircraft, and De Havilland Q400 turboprops. It also emphasizes sustainability and customer comfort, aligning with its long-term strategic roadmap known as “Vision 2035.”
With this latest route launch, Ethiopian Airlines continues to execute on its Vision 2035 plan, which aims to make the airline one of the top 20 aviation groups in the world. The strategy includes a strong multi-hub model, with partner operations in Togo (ASKY), Malawi (Malawi Airlines), Zambia (Zambia Airways), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Air Congo).
By targeting key growth markets such as India, the airline not only supports its expansion goals but also enhances mobility across developing regions. The Hyderabad route is a strong signal of the airline’s ongoing investment in international connectivity and its commitment to building partnerships that benefit passengers, economies, and communities across borders.
