With 34 weekly flights, Ethiopian Airlines now largest international carrier in Nigeria

With over 34 weekly frequencies to and from Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines has become the largest international carrier operating in the country, as the airline launched additional passenger flights between Abuja and Addis Ababa.

With the launch of the additional flights, the airline offers travellers smoother connections across its global network spanning five continents, making international travel more convenient.

With a total of 34 weekly passenger flights to Abuja, Lagos, Kano, and Enugu, operated by the airline’s modern fleet along with dedicated cargo services, Ethiopian Airlines said it remains committed to serving its valued Nigerian customers and supporting Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.

Speaking during the launch event on Wednesday in Abuja, Firiehewot Mekonnen, Area Manager, Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria, said the airline was not only adding another flight but celebrating a deeper partnership, a stronger connection, and a shared journey between two great nations — Ethiopia and Nigeria.

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“For me personally, this day holds special meaning. My professional journey with Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria began here, in this very city, many years ago. To return now to welcome a new flight into Abuja is both nostalgic and fulfilling — a reflection of growth, progress, and enduring partnership,” Mekonnen said.

She recalled that 65 years ago, in 1960, Ethiopian Airlines proudly became one of the first international carriers to fly to Nigeria, starting operations in Lagos shortly after Nigeria’s independence.

According to her, since then, the airline has grown alongside this great nation, expanding its network to Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Kano, and serving millions of Nigerian passengers with pride, safety, and excellence.

“Today, we mark yet another milestone — the start of a second frequency to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria. This development symbolises our continued commitment to strengthening the deep-rooted ties between Ethiopia and Nigeria and supporting Nigeria’s position as a leading aviation and economic hub in Africa.

“Our partnership with Nigeria has always been symbiotic, built on mutual respect, shared vision, and trust. We love Nigeria, and Nigerians have always loved Ethiopian Airlines.

“Together, we have connected Nigeria to over 150 global destinations through our Addis Ababa hub, using one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world, including the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner,” the area manager said.

According to her, Abuja is rapidly transforming into a global centre for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), adding that with this new frequency, the airline aims to make Abuja a preferred gateway for global business, tourism, and diplomacy — truly positioning it as the conference capital of Africa.

“Starting today, October 28, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines will operate three additional weekly evening flights from Abuja, in addition to our existing daily midday flight.

“The new service, ET 957, will depart Abuja at 10:00 p.m. and arrive in Addis Ababa at 5:00 a.m., providing faster and more convenient connections to key African and Asian destinations, including Dubai, Tel Aviv, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Nairobi, and beyond.

“With this development, Ethiopian Airlines now operates 34 weekly flights between Nigeria and Ethiopia, connecting: Lagos – twice daily (14 weekly flights), Abuja – 10 weekly flights (7 midday + 3 evening), Enugu – 3 weekly flights, and Kano – 7 weekly flights.

“This brings our total to over 34 weekly frequencies to and from Nigeria, making Ethiopian Airlines the largest international carrier operating in Nigeria today,” she explained further.

She added that the airline’s continued growth in Nigeria reflects not only its commercial success but also its unwavering belief in the Nigerian market, its people, and its future.