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Ethiopian Airlines is preparing to launch passenger flights to Australia—the only continent it has not served in its eighty-year history. The new service will connect Addis Ababa with Melbourne, forging a long-awaited link between Africa and Australia while boosting trade, tourism, and investment flows.
Given the route’s long distance, the airline is expected to deploy its long-haul fleet of Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, both known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort on ultra-long-haul routes. Ethiopian Airlines executives are reportedly in advanced discussions with Melbourne Airport officials and are making detailed operational preparations for the launch.
According to sources, the airline has been planning flights to Australia for six years, but the challenge of securing suitable aircraft capable of serving such a long journey delayed the project. It is expected that the new route may include stopovers in cities such as Singapore for refueling and operational efficiency.
The addition of Australia will complete Ethiopian Airlines’ truly global network. The carrier already has a strong and growing presence on every other inhabited continent:
- Africa: Its primary network, with over 60 destinations across the continent, cementing Addis Ababa as Africa’s leading aviation hub. It connects major cities in West, East, Central, North, and Southern Africa, serving business and leisure travelers alike.
- Europe: Ethiopian Airlines flies to more than 20 cities across Europe, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Rome, Brussels, and Stockholm. These connections support both passenger and cargo demand, linking Africa with European markets.
- Asia: A robust network covers key destinations in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu), India (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore), Southeast Asia (Bangkok, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta), and the Middle East (Dubai, Riyadh, Jeddah, Beirut).
- North America: The airline serves major cities such as Washington, D.C., Chicago, Newark, Toronto, and Atlanta, offering crucial links for African diaspora communities, tourists, and cargo operations.
- South America: Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to São Paulo and Buenos Aires, demonstrating its commitment to linking Africa with Latin America for trade and tourism.
By adding Australia to its network, Ethiopian Airlines will complete its vision of connecting Africa to every continent, reinforcing its position as Africa’s largest and most globally connected carrier.
The airline now has annual revenues exceeding $7 billion and serves more than 150 destinations worldwide. Its extensive route map and modern fleet have transformed Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport into a strategic gateway for travel and trade between Africa and the world.
