Etihad Airways is accelerating its global growth with the launch of new routes spanning Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.
The airline has recently inaugurated flights to Addis Ababa, Medan, and Phnom Penh, alongside announcing the return of seasonal services to Zanzibar in 2026.
Together, these expansions bring Etihad’s global network to 83 destinations, with 30 new routes announced over the past year as part of its long-term strategy to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural connectivity between continents.
Africa: Strengthening ties with Ethiopia and beyond
Etihad has launched daily flights between Abu Dhabi (Zayed International Airport) and Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, marking its debut in Ethiopia and expanding connectivity across East Africa.
The new route coincides with the activation of Etihad’s landmark Joint Venture with Ethiopian Airlines, which allows both carriers to coordinate schedules and jointly develop routes.
The collaboration enhances passenger choice, streamlines connectivity, and strengthens trade, tourism, and cultural links between Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
Through the partnership, Etihad guests can now access over 55 destinations in 33 African countries, while Ethiopian Airlines customers gain streamlined access via Abu Dhabi to more than 20 destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Etihad Chief Executive Officer Antonoaldo Neves said: “The launch of our daily flights to Addis Ababa creates a bridge between two regions with expanding connections and growing economic relations.
“It also marks the formal start of our landmark Joint Venture with Ethiopian Airlines, a partnership that will redefine connectivity between Africa, the Middle East and Asia.”
The Addis Ababa launch forms part of Etihad’s expanding African footprint.
The airline plans to double Nairobi frequencies to 14 weekly by December, increase flights to Casablanca and Johannesburg, and introduce new services to Tunis and Algiers.
Etihad will also return to Zanzibar in June 2026 with summer flights, further strengthening two-way connectivity between Abu Dhabi, Africa and Europe.
Asia: Two new gateways in Southeast Asia
In October, Etihad introduced two new routes into Southeast Asia, launching flights to Medan in North Sumatra, Indonesia, and Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
The additions expand the airline’s Asian network and deepen commercial and cultural links between Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.
Antonoaldo Neves said: “We’re proud to expand our network in Southeast Asia, inviting more guests across the region to explore our home with a convenient and direct route to Abu Dhabi.
“Sumatra and Phnom Penh are extraordinary destinations with both natural and man-made wonders to offer and explore.”
The Southeast Asia expansion complements upcoming routes to Krabi, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Hong Kong, underscoring Etihad’s momentum in Asia’s growth markets.
Indian Ocean: Zanzibar returns to the network
Etihad will relaunch seasonal flights to Zanzibar from June 14 to September 6, 2026, operating four weekly services between Abu Dhabi and the island’s historic capital.
Neves said: “Zanzibar is the perfect summer escape and we are thrilled to welcome it back to our growing network.
“From world-famous beaches and spice markets to rich history and culture, Zanzibar has something for everyone.”
Flights will be operated by Etihad’s Airbus A320, offering Business and Economy cabins and supported by the airline’s expanding European network, which now provides double-daily connections to Abu Dhabi.
Etihad Airways strategic growth
Addis Ababa, Medan, Phnom Penh and Zanzibar together highlight Etihad’s strategic focus on high-growth, culturally rich destinations, designed to expand trade, tourism and people-to-people ties across continents.
With 20 more routes scheduled to launch through 2026, Etihad continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role as a global aviation hub, connecting Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East through a modern, efficient network.
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