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"We love Nigeria": Ethiopian Airlines announces new destination for travellers

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. es-announces-new-destination-for-travellers.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 14:44 GMT by legit
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Why Ethiopian Airlines?

Ethiopian Airlines is a pioneer in African aviation, having been founded in 1945 and grown into a global carrier with a fleet of more than 80 aircraft. The airline serves over 120 destinations in 68 countries, ranging from Johannesburg and Nairobi to London, Dubai and Tokyo. Its network is supported by the “Air Africa” alliance, which links Ethiopian, Kenya Airways, and South African Airways, and by strategic partnerships with other global carriers such as Air India. This expansive reach makes Ethiopian Airlines a natural fit for Nigeria’s ambitions to become a major regional aviation hub.

The article explains that Nigerian aviation authorities, including the Civil Aviation Authority of Nigeria (CAAN), have long sought to increase international traffic to and from the country. By partnering with an airline that already operates a robust hub in Addis Ababa, the nation can tap into an existing route network that spans Sub‑Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Ethiopian Airlines’ ability to offer frequent, reliable service on a variety of aircraft—from the Boeing 737‑800 to the wide‑body Boeing 777—provides Nigeria with a high‑quality, scalable option for both passenger and cargo services.

New Routes and Frequency

One of the most significant highlights of the expansion is the launch of a daily direct flight between Lagos and Addis Ababa. The new route will provide Nigerian passengers with a seamless connection to Ethiopia’s capital, a city that already boasts a bustling business community and a growing tourism industry. Moreover, Ethiopian Airlines will increase the frequency of flights to key Nigerian cities such as Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, making international travel more convenient for Nigerian businesspeople, students, and families.

The article also notes that Ethiopian Airlines will be operating a weekly cargo flight between Lagos and Addis Ababa. This cargo link is expected to streamline supply chains for Nigerian exporters, especially in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, and help the country capitalize on Ethiopia’s well‑established logistics infrastructure.

Economic Impact

According to the article, Nigerian officials have highlighted the economic benefits of partnering with Ethiopian Airlines. The airline’s presence is anticipated to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs—ranging from airport operations to tourism, hospitality, and trade facilitation. By improving connectivity, Ethiopian Airlines will also open up new avenues for Nigerian businesses to tap into African markets, thereby supporting the country’s “Made in Nigeria” initiative and enhancing its trade balance.

The article includes a quote from a senior CAAN representative who remarked that the partnership “will help Nigerian passengers benefit from a wider network of international flights at competitive fares.” She also noted that the increased capacity would support the country’s goal of becoming a regional aviation hub, particularly in the wake of growing demand for business travel in West Africa.

Competitive Landscape

Ethiopian Airlines’ arrival in Nigeria does not eclipse other international carriers operating there, but it does raise the overall quality and choice available to passengers. Other major airlines—such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines itself—already compete for the Nigerian market. By joining the mix, Ethiopian Airlines will contribute to a more competitive pricing environment, potentially driving down fares and improving service standards.

The article draws comparisons with the performance of other African carriers in the Nigerian market. While Ethiopian Airlines is not the only African airline serving Nigeria (Kenya Airways and South African Airways also maintain routes), its larger fleet and broader network position it as the most influential carrier on the continent’s biggest economy.

Future Plans and Strategic Vision

Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership has articulated a clear vision for its expansion into Nigeria, as outlined in the article. The airline plans to gradually increase flight frequency and introduce additional destinations over the next few years, with an eye toward connecting Nigerian cities to secondary hubs such as Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and Johannesburg. Moreover, the airline’s management intends to work closely with Nigerian regulators to facilitate the establishment of a dedicated hub in Lagos, which would further strengthen the country’s status as a regional aviation gateway.

The article also hints at a possible partnership for cargo handling services. By leveraging Ethiopian Airlines’ existing cargo hub at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, the airline intends to create a seamless cargo corridor that would benefit Nigerian exporters and importers alike.

Conclusion

In sum, the article from Legit.ng paints a comprehensive picture of Ethiopian Airlines’ emergence as the largest international carrier in Nigeria. Through the launch of new passenger and cargo routes, an expanded fleet presence, and a partnership with Nigerian aviation authorities, Ethiopian Airlines is poised to reshape the landscape of international air travel in West Africa. The move promises to deliver tangible economic benefits, improve connectivity for Nigerian citizens and businesses, and position Nigeria as a key node in the rapidly evolving African aviation network.