Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading aviation powerhouse, has officially launched a new passenger service connecting Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with Porto, Portugal. The inaugural flight departed from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on July 2, 2025, amid a festive launch ceremony attended by dignitaries, executives, and invited guests.
The new route, operating four times a week aboard the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, includes a stopover in Madrid, Spain. This expansion marks a significant milestone for the airline’s rapidly growing international network and emphasizes its role in bridging continents, cultures, and economies.
A Strategic Link Between Continents
Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, expressed his excitement about the new route. “We are truly delighted to launch a new flight to Porto, Portugal, reinforcing yet another link between Africa and Europe. We are dedicated to enhancing our passengers’ convenience in traveling across the globe in a seamless connection and delivering our renowned award-winning services,” he said.
He added, “This new route is beyond a connection between Addis Ababa and Porto. It is a bridge between Africa and Europe.”
Porto: A Gateway to Culture and Commerce
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a thriving cultural and economic hub. With its historic center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is an increasingly attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers.
The new route offers a direct boost to trade, tourism, and diplomatic ties between Ethiopia and Portugal while also giving passengers more options to travel efficiently between Africa and Europe.
Award-Winning Excellence Continues
This launch comes on the heels of Ethiopian Airlines being named Skytrax ‘Best Airline in Africa’ for the eighth consecutive year at the 2025 World Airline Awards—further cementing its reputation for excellence, reliability, and global connectivity.
As Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its global footprint, it remains committed to offering world-class service, underpinned by its signature Ethiopian hospitality.
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