Ethiopian Airlines To Take Flight to the Last Continent Left Uncharted

Ethiopian Airlines is preparing to launch its inaugural direct flights to Australia, entering the continent that has not been landed by the airline. The planned service will operate from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), though the specific Australian destination and timeline are yet to be confirmed.

In October 2024, CEO Mesfin Tasew announced that Australia would be among the airline’s new destinations within the next two years, highlighting the move as part of efforts to strengthen its global service and fleet size. Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to all continents except Australia .

Passenger demand data from OAG Traffic Analyzer for the year ending July 2024 identifies Melbourne (MEL) as the most viable destination from Addis Ababa (ADD), with nearly 6,000 round-trip travelers. Brisbane (BNE) and Perth (PER) trail far behind with approximately 1,000 passengers each. Sydney (SYD) data was not disclosed, likely due to volumes falling below the reporting threshold, but it remains a significant connection point via African hubs .

The CEO told EBR that the airline is considering the continent into its long-term roadmap, in line with Vision 2035, which aims to expand destinations to 207, double its fleet to over 250 aircraft and serve 65 million passengers annually.

Telila Deressa Gutema, the airline’s Regional Manager for the Asia-Pacific, has stated that preparations are well underway. The new route aims to strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global reach and position it as a competitive player in the intercontinental market.

The proposed Australian routes would be among the longest in Ethiopian Airlines’ network. However, the airline’s hub in Addis Ababa offers geographic advantages for eastbound flights and connectivity across the African continent, supporting its broader mission to position itself as a global connector.

The airline has not yet announced an official launch date.