Convenience and Comfort for Passengers
Passengers on this route can expect world-class comfort aboard Etihad Airways’ modern aircraft, designed with spacious seating, advanced entertainment systems, and exceptional service standards.
With departure times carefully scheduled for international connections, travellers from Addis Ababa will be able to check in once and fly seamlessly to destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America via Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Addis Ababa: Africa’s Political and Cultural Heart
Addis Ababa is not only Ethiopia’s largest city but also the diplomatic capital of Africa, home to the African Union Headquarters and numerous international organisations. The city’s role as a regional decision-making hub attracts business leaders, diplomats, and global agencies year-round.
For leisure travellers, Addis Ababa offers a blend of tradition and modernity. Visitors can explore the National Museum of Ethiopia, which houses the fossilised remains of “Lucy,” a key discovery in human evolution. The Holy Trinity Cathedral, with its stunning stained glass and imperial history, stands as a testament to Ethiopia’s deep-rooted Orthodox Christian heritage.
No trip is complete without visiting Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, and experiencing Ethiopia’s world-famous coffee ceremony, a warm symbol of hospitality and community.
Economic Impact and Tourism Growth
The launch of the Abu Dhabi–Addis Ababa route is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the UAE and Ethiopia.
- Tourism: The service will attract visitors eager to explore Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes, from the Simien Mountains to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
- Trade: Direct flights will reduce travel time for business delegations, encouraging more UAE companies to explore investment opportunities in Ethiopia’s growing economy.
- Culture: Enhanced connectivity will promote cultural exchange through art exhibitions, music festivals, and culinary tourism.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism has long identified direct air links as a key driver for attracting international tourists, and Etihad’s new service aligns perfectly with this strategy.
Etihad Airways’ Strategic African Expansion
Etihad Airways has been steadily increasing its African footprint, identifying Addis Ababa as a high-potential market due to its diplomatic status, economic growth, and tourism appeal. This new route follows Etihad’s strategy of strengthening links between Abu Dhabi and emerging African hubs, allowing passengers more options for direct travel.
The airline’s commitment to connecting people and cultures is reflected in its investment in African destinations, catering to both diaspora communities and adventurous travellers seeking authentic experiences.
Flight Schedule
- EY727: Departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 09:00, arrives Addis Ababa (ADD) at 12:35
- EY728: Departs Addis Ababa (ADD) at 13:55, arrives Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 19:15
This schedule offers optimal connectivity to Etihad’s evening wave of departures from Abu Dhabi, enabling smooth same-day connections to multiple global cities.
Why This Matters for Tourism
The direct flight makes it easier than ever for travellers from the Gulf and beyond to experience Ethiopia’s culture, wildlife, and landscapes without lengthy layovers. For the UAE, it creates another opportunity to strengthen tourism partnerships and position Abu Dhabi as a gateway for African travel.
In the long run, routes like Abu Dhabi–Addis Ababa will not only increase passenger traffic but also encourage bilateral tourism campaigns, joint cultural projects, and sustainable travel initiatives.
Conclusion
With the launch of this direct flight in October 2025, Etihad Airways is taking a bold step in enhancing UAE–Ethiopia connectivity. The service will provide passengers with a fast, comfortable, and seamless link between two dynamic capitals, unlocking fresh possibilities for tourism, business, and cultural engagement.
Whether travellers are heading to Addis Ababa for diplomatic work, to explore its historic treasures, or to embark on further African adventures, this new route will make the journey smoother than ever.
Convenience and Comfort for Passengers
Passengers on this route can expect world-class comfort aboard Etihad Airways’ modern aircraft, designed with spacious seating, advanced entertainment systems, and exceptional service standards.
With departure times carefully scheduled for international connections, travellers from Addis Ababa will be able to check in once and fly seamlessly to destinations across Asia, Europe, and North America via Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Addis Ababa: Africa’s Political and Cultural Heart
Addis Ababa is not only Ethiopia’s largest city but also the diplomatic capital of Africa, home to the African Union Headquarters and numerous international organisations. The city’s role as a regional decision-making hub attracts business leaders, diplomats, and global agencies year-round.
For leisure travellers, Addis Ababa offers a blend of tradition and modernity. Visitors can explore the National Museum of Ethiopia, which houses the fossilised remains of “Lucy,” a key discovery in human evolution. The Holy Trinity Cathedral, with its stunning stained glass and imperial history, stands as a testament to Ethiopia’s deep-rooted Orthodox Christian heritage.
No trip is complete without visiting Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, and experiencing Ethiopia’s world-famous coffee ceremony, a warm symbol of hospitality and community.
Economic Impact and Tourism Growth
The launch of the Abu Dhabi–Addis Ababa route is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange between the UAE and Ethiopia.
- Tourism: The service will attract visitors eager to explore Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes, from the Simien Mountains to the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela.
- Trade: Direct flights will reduce travel time for business delegations, encouraging more UAE companies to explore investment opportunities in Ethiopia’s growing economy.
- Culture: Enhanced connectivity will promote cultural exchange through art exhibitions, music festivals, and culinary tourism.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Tourism has long identified direct air links as a key driver for attracting international tourists, and Etihad’s new service aligns perfectly with this strategy.
Etihad Airways’ Strategic African Expansion
Etihad Airways has been steadily increasing its African footprint, identifying Addis Ababa as a high-potential market due to its diplomatic status, economic growth, and tourism appeal. This new route follows Etihad’s strategy of strengthening links between Abu Dhabi and emerging African hubs, allowing passengers more options for direct travel.
The airline’s commitment to connecting people and cultures is reflected in its investment in African destinations, catering to both diaspora communities and adventurous travellers seeking authentic experiences.
Flight Schedule
- EY727: Departs Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 09:00, arrives Addis Ababa (ADD) at 12:35
- EY728: Departs Addis Ababa (ADD) at 13:55, arrives Abu Dhabi (AUH) at 19:15
This schedule offers optimal connectivity to Etihad’s evening wave of departures from Abu Dhabi, enabling smooth same-day connections to multiple global cities.
Why This Matters for Tourism
The direct flight makes it easier than ever for travellers from the Gulf and beyond to experience Ethiopia’s culture, wildlife, and landscapes without lengthy layovers. For the UAE, it creates another opportunity to strengthen tourism partnerships and position Abu Dhabi as a gateway for African travel.
In the long run, routes like Abu Dhabi–Addis Ababa will not only increase passenger traffic but also encourage bilateral tourism campaigns, joint cultural projects, and sustainable travel initiatives.
Conclusion
With the launch of this direct flight in October 2025, Etihad Airways is taking a bold step in enhancing UAE–Ethiopia connectivity. The service will provide passengers with a fast, comfortable, and seamless link between two dynamic capitals, unlocking fresh possibilities for tourism, business, and cultural engagement.
Whether travelers are heading to Addis Ababa for diplomatic work, to explore its historic treasures, or to embark on further African adventures, this new route will make the journey smoother than ever.
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