Ethiopian Airlines has launched a new direct passenger service connecting Addis Ababa with Port Louis, strengthening tourism and business access between mainland Africa and the Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius.
The three-times-weekly route commenced on 12 July 2026, opening a faster travel option for passengers while connecting Mauritius with Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive international network through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Flights operate every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, creating regular links for leisure travellers, business passengers and people visiting friends and relatives. The service also strengthens access to Mauritius from destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
The route represents a major connectivity development for Mauritius, where tourism depends heavily on reliable international aviation. It also supports Ethiopian Airlines’ wider objective of connecting African destinations with one another and with major global markets.
Direct Flights Reduce Regional Transfer Complexity
Before introducing the direct service, Ethiopian Airlines connected passengers with Mauritius through interline and codeshare arrangements involving regional hubs such as Johannesburg, Nairobi and Antananarivo.
The new nonstop operation significantly simplifies the journey. Travellers no longer need to rely on additional regional transfers when moving between Addis Ababa and Mauritius, reducing overall travel time and creating a more convenient itinerary.
According to the published schedule, outbound flight ET887 departs Addis Ababa at 08:50 and arrives in Mauritius at 15:20. The return flight, ET886, leaves Mauritius at 16:15 and reaches Addis Ababa at 20:45.
The service is operated using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, providing direct capacity between the Ethiopian capital and the Indian Ocean destination.
For passengers connecting through Addis Ababa, the schedule can provide onward access to Ethiopian Airlines services serving major cities across Africa and other continents.
Mauritius Gains Access to Wider Visitor Markets
The route could support Mauritius in attracting travellers from markets that previously lacked convenient direct or one-stop connectivity.
Through Addis Ababa, visitors from East, West, Central and North Africa can reach Mauritius through one of the continent’s largest airline networks. The connection may also provide additional travel options for passengers from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
Mauritius is known internationally for its beaches, resort accommodation, lagoons, marine activities and multicultural experiences. Beyond coastal holidays, the island offers hiking, national parks, local cuisine, heritage attractions and wellness travel.
Improved air accessibility can encourage longer stays and greater visitor spending across hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, tour operators, retail businesses and attractions.
The new service may prove particularly valuable for honeymoon travel, family holidays, premium resort stays, conferences and combined African itineraries linking Mauritius with mainland destinations.
Addis Ababa Strengthens Its Role as African Gateway
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport plays a central role in Ethiopian Airlines’ network strategy, functioning as a major transfer hub between African cities and international destinations.
Passengers travelling from Mauritius can now use Addis Ababa to access a wide range of onward services without first travelling through another Indian Ocean or southern African gateway.
This hub connectivity expands the practical value of the route beyond point-to-point travel between Ethiopia and Mauritius. It creates a larger network bridge that connects the island with multiple markets through coordinated airline services.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates to more than 160 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Its African expansion remains a central part of its long-term Vision 2035 strategy.
Tourism and Trade Receive New Opportunities
While tourism is expected to be one of the main beneficiaries, the route also creates opportunities for trade, investment and professional travel.
Mauritius has developed a diversified economy supported by tourism, financial services, manufacturing and international business. More convenient travel can strengthen commercial connections with Ethiopia and other countries served through Addis Ababa.
The service could also support meetings, conferences and corporate events by making Mauritius more accessible to delegates from across Africa.
At the same time, Ethiopian businesses and travellers gain easier access to an established Indian Ocean tourism and commercial centre.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said the route would make it easier for African and international tourists to visit Mauritius while improving business and trade opportunities. He also identified stronger connectivity between African nations as an important airline priority.
Indian Ocean Tourism Network Continues to Grow
The Mauritius service strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ presence within the wider Indian Ocean region and complements its connections to other island destinations.
Island tourism markets depend strongly on flight frequency, seat capacity and convenient connections. Unlike mainland destinations, they have limited alternative transport options when airline access is unavailable.
Regular direct services can therefore influence hotel demand, destination competitiveness and traveller confidence.
By adding Mauritius to its direct network, Ethiopian Airlines gives international visitors another way to reach the island while supporting broader cooperation between aviation and tourism stakeholders.
New Route Supports Long-Term African Connectivity
The Addis Ababa–Port Louis service demonstrates how aviation can strengthen both regional integration and global tourism access.
For Mauritius, the route provides a direct link to a major African hub and opens additional visitor markets. For Ethiopian Airlines, it expands the carrier’s continental reach and reinforces Addis Ababa’s role as a gateway connecting Africa with the world.
With three weekly flights and simplified onward connections, the service is positioned to support tourism growth, commercial mobility and stronger people-to-people ties.
The launch marks another important step towards a more connected African aviation system in which island destinations can participate more fully in regional and international travel networks.
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