Ethiopian Airlines Expands Abuja Service, Strengthening Nigeria’s Role as a Regional Aviation Powerh
Ethiopian Airlines has taken a decisive step to bolster its operations in West Africa by launching a second daily flight to Abuja, further solidifying its enduring partnership with Nigeria and its commitment to enhancing regional connectivity. The new service underscores the airline’s recognition of Nigeria’s growing significance as an aviation and economic hub, while offering increased flexibility and convenience for both business and leisure travelers across the continent.
During the recent inaugural ceremony, Mrs. Firiehewot Mekonnen, Ethiopian Airlines’ Area Manager in Nigeria, highlighted the personal and professional importance of the new route. “For me, this moment is personal,” she reflected. “My professional journey with Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria began in Abuja years ago. Returning now to launch this new service is both nostalgic and fulfilling.”
The introduction of the additional evening service marks a significant milestone in the airline’s six-decade relationship with Nigeria. Ethiopian Airlines first began operations to the country in 1960, just after Nigeria’s independence. Since then, the airline has continually expanded its Nigerian footprint, now serving Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Kano, and carrying millions of passengers with a reputation built on “pride, safety, and excellence.”
The new evening flight, inaugurated on 28 October 2025, adds three weekly departures from Abuja to Addis Ababa, complementing the existing midday flight. Flight ET957 departs Abuja at 10:00 p.m. and lands in Addis Ababa at 5:00 a.m., perfectly timed to facilitate smoother onward connections to a broad network of destinations spanning Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This expanded schedule caters to the growing demand for flexible travel options and ensures seamless connections for Nigerian travelers to key business and leisure markets.
With this strategic addition, Ethiopian Airlines now operates a remarkable 34 weekly flights between Nigeria and Ethiopia, reinforcing its status as the largest international carrier serving the Nigerian market. The airline’s extensive network and frequency provide Nigerian passengers with unmatched access to global destinations, supporting the country’s aspirations as a regional leader in aviation and commerce.
The expansion also speaks to the airline’s broader vision of making Africa more connected and accessible. By strengthening the Abuja-Addis Ababa corridor, Ethiopian Airlines is not only facilitating trade and tourism but also advancing the continent’s integration efforts. Improved air links translate into economic opportunities, enhanced cultural exchange, and more efficient movement of people and goods throughout Africa and beyond.
Mekonnen expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and the airline’s travel industry partners and loyal passengers for their unwavering support. She reaffirmed Ethiopian Airlines’ pledge to maintain its strong presence in Nigeria, noting that the airline’s sustained investment is a testament to the shared growth and deepening ties between the two nations.
The timing of the new service comes as Nigeria continues to position itself as a vital aviation gateway, with Abuja emerging as a key hub for both regional and international travelers. The city’s strategic location and modern infrastructure make it an ideal base for connecting West Africa to the rest of the world. As a result, airlines and travel professionals are increasingly looking to Abuja as a springboard for expanding their reach and tapping into new markets.
For Africa’s travel sector, Ethiopian Airlines’ network expansion offers valuable opportunities. Travel professionals can now craft more dynamic itineraries, combining the convenience of multiple daily connections with access to one of the continent’s most respected carriers. The robust Abuja-Addis Ababa link enhances the ability to serve corporate clients, group travel, and the growing segment of leisure tourists seeking new experiences within and beyond Africa.
Looking ahead, Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to Nigeria is likely to inspire further innovation and competition in the region’s aviation landscape. As passenger demand rebounds and new routes are explored, the airline’s focus on frequency, reliability, and connectivity positions it at the forefront of Africa’s evolving travel industry. This momentum will not only benefit Nigerian travelers, but also strengthen the entire region’s standing in the global aviation community.
With the launch of its second daily flight to Abuja, Ethiopian Airlines reaffirms its role as a bridge between Africa and the world—supporting Nigeria’s ambitions as a true aviation powerhouse and opening new horizons for the continent’s travel professionals and their clients.
