Ethiopian Airlines has emerged as the primary beneficiary of shifting international travel demands in South Africa, following the escalating geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
According to the data from Travelnews conflict between Israel and Iran has led to widespread flight cancellations and airspace restrictions for Gulf-based carriers.
As a result, many South African travelers are increasingly choosing the Addis Ababa transit hub as a reliable alternative for reaching destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Industry statistics reveal that Flight Centre South Africa has seen a 110% surge in Ethiopian Airlines bookings since the beginning of March.
Marco Ciocchetti, CEO of XL Travel, noted that because seats on European carriers filled up so quickly, travelers are now utilizing the affordably priced Ethiopian Airlines as their primary gateway to Europe.
Even before the current crisis, the airline had been steadily strengthening its dominance across various routes. For instance, in 2025, it became the top choice for travel to India, transporting over 69,000 passengers on the Johannesburg-Mumbai route.
Furthermore, it has overtaken Emirates to become the leading indirect carrier between the United Kingdom and South Africa. Currently, it also holds the position of the third-largest carrier for travel between South Africa and the United States, following only United and Delta.
Aviation consultants suggest that Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic strength stems from its decision to maintain operations in volatile regions when others withdrew.
Specifically, being one of the few airlines that did not suspend flights to Israel when the regional conflict first began in 2024 has contributed significantly to its market share growth.
