Ethiopian Airlines Australia flights are poised to become a reality, with Executive Traveller reporting that the carrier plans to launch non-stop services from Addis Ababa to the Australian continent in 2028, subject to securing suitable long-range aircraft.
Ethiopia’s flag carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, confirmed at a press briefing in Addis Ababa that it expects to begin direct operations to Australia by 2028, marking a major expansion of its global route network.
Plans for 2028
Ethiopian Airlines plans to launch Ethiopian Airlines Australia flights in 2028, linking Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) directly with one or more Australian cities.
CEO Mesfin Tasew said the timing hinges on securing a fleet of suitable long-range aircraft such as the Airbus A350-900/A350-1000 or Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
The airline has widebody aircraft on order, including additional Boeing 787-9s and Airbus A350-900s — key to operating ultra-long-haul flights.
Aircraft & Logistics: What’s Driving the Timeline?
Aircraft Availability
- Ethiopian Airlines currently has long-range widebodies in its fleet.
- CEO Tasew emphasized that acquiring at least two large widebody aircraft is necessary for the ultra-long-haul route, and that manufacturing delivery slots dictate the earliest feasible start date.
Fleet Orders
Industry data shows Ethiopian has multiple widebody jets on order, boosting its capacity for new markets, including Australia.
Ethiopia’s Aviation Strategy & Regulations
Global Regulatory Framework
- Any new nonstop intercontinental service must comply with ICAO operational requirements and bilateral aviation agreements, but Ethiopian has historically held extensive traffic rights. (General industry context — not specific to this route)
Strategic Network Expansion
Ethiopian aims to be the first African carrier to connect directly to Australia, completing service to all inhabited continents.
Industry Impacts
Tourism & Trade
- Direct links between Africa and Australia could boost tourism flows and bilateral trade.
- It positions Addis Ababa as a key global hub connecting Africa to Oceania.
Connectivity via Codeshares
Even before the direct services launch, travelers can connect to Australian destinations through codeshare partners like Etihad, broadening route options.
What’s Next: Outlook for Ethiopian Airlines’ Australia Strategy
- Aircraft Deliveries: Monitoring Airbus and Boeing production slots will be critical.
- Airport Agreements: Final selection and agreements with Australian airports (likely Sydney, Melbourne or Perth) will clarify market entry.
- Regulatory Approvals: Bilateral aviation authorities will assess traffic rights and air service agreements.
Sources
- CAPA – Centre for Aviation – Provides broader context on Ethiopian Airlines operations and fleet developments (headline reference).
- Ethiopian Airlines Corporate Website – Shows the airline’s ongoing network and service announcements.
- Ethiopian Airlines appoints Ellerton & Co as PR Agency for Asia-Pacific – Confirms strategic focus on Australia/Asia-Pacific expansion.
