Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier and one of the fastest-growing aviation brands globally, has continued to strengthen its network expansion strategy by launching successful flight schedules for new international and regional routes, including the successful inauguration of operations to Lyon, France, and Port Louis, Mauritius. These developments form an integral part of the airline’s broader strategic framework, aimed at expanding global reach, strengthening continental integration, and providing seamless travel for business and leisure passengers under the ambitious Vision 2035 growth targets.
Announcing the group’s 2025/26 budget year report, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew stated that as part of a committed effort to expand its operational network, the airline planned to open a total of six new destination stations, two of which have already been swiftly launched in regional and international markets. Among the notable additions is the passenger service connecting Addis Ababa to Lyon, France, via Geneva, Switzerland, which began operating three times a week at the beginning of July. Utilizing modern and ultra-comfortable aircraft three times weekly, the Lyon route strengthens the airline’s presence in France alongside Paris and Marseille while opening a better European gateway.
The Group CEO noted that France remains a historically vital market for the carrier, and the introduction of the Lyon gateway will successfully strengthen trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections between Africa and Europe.
Complementing its European expansion, Ethiopian Airlines inaugurated its highly anticipated direct passenger service to Port Louis, Mauritius, on July 12. Operating three times weekly on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, it was noted that this direct link marks a major milestone in regional connectivity with the Indian Ocean island nation. Before launching this direct route, the airline relied entirely on interline and codeshare partnerships through third-party hubs such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Antananarivo.
The group announced that to support this extensive flight network, Ethiopian Airlines is investing heavily in fleet modernization. The airline has planned to bring 17 new aircraft into operation during the new fiscal year, following the retirement of an older aircraft from service.
The airline has set an ambitious goal to increase its annual passenger volume to 23 million, marking significant growth compared to the previous year’s performance. Similarly, the airline plans to increase passenger transport capacity by 12%, while cargo operations are expected to grow by 11%, which is anticipated to yield a 14% growth in total cargo revenue.
Ethiopian Airlines announced that it generated $9.1 billion in revenue during the completed fiscal year and plans to achieve a total revenue of $10 billion in the 2026/27 fiscal year.
Although rising fuel prices and associated cost increases—such as flight route changes caused by jet fuel shortages at the main hub—have incurred additional expenses, the airline’s financial foundation remains extremely strong. With profit margins currently remaining stable, the group indicated that management can successfully navigate upcoming industry fluctuations.
