Ethiopian Airlines commences new passenger service to Porto, strengthening Africa

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s leading aviation group and one of the fastest-growing airline brands globally, 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, following a vibrant launch ceremony attended by invited guests, dignitaries, and airline executives.

This new route marks a significant milestone in Ethiopian Airlines’ ever-expanding global network and strengthens the growing socio-economic ties between Ethiopia and Portugal.

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Speaking on the occasion, Mesfin Tasew, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, said: “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. This new route is beyond a connection between Addis Ababa and Porto. It is a bridge between Africa and Europe.”

He added, “As we expand our global network, we remain committed to delivering our signature Ethiopian hospitality and reliable service to every corner of the world we fly to.”

The service will operate four times a week with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, making a single stop in Madrid, Spain. The launch not only opens a new gateway to Portugal but also strengthens Ethiopian’s position as the leading airline connecting Africa to key destinations worldwide.

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha

Ifeoma Okeke-Korieocha is the Aviation Correspondent at BusinessDay Media Limited, publishers of BusinessDay Newspapers. She is also the Deputy Editor, BusinessDay Weekender Magazine, the Saturday Weekend edition of BusinessDay. She holds a BSC in Mass Communication from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a Masters degree in Marketing at the University of Lagos. As the lead writer on the aviation desk, Ifeoma is responsible and in charge of the three weekly aviation and travel pages in BusinessDay and BDSunday. She also overseas and edits all pages of BusinessDay Saturday Weekender. She has written various investigative, features and news stories in aviation and business related issues and has been severally nominated for award in the category of Aviation Writer of the Year by the Nigeria Media Nite-Out awards; one of the Nigeria’s most prestigious media awards ceremonies. Ifeoma is a one-time winner of the prestigious Nigeria Media Merit Award under the 'Aviation Writer of the Year' Category. She is the 2025 Eloy Award winner under the Print Media Journalist category. She has undergone several journalism trainings by various prestigious organisations. Ifeoma is also a fellow of the Female Reporters Leadership Fellowship of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism.