Ethiopian Airlines to Resume Direct Atlanta Flights in May After Temporary Suspension

EBR_News Mar 18, 2026

Ethiopian Airlines has announced it will resume direct passenger services between Addis Ababa and Atlanta beginning May 21, 2026, restoring a key connection between Africa and the southeastern United States after a temporary interruption of the route since February, according to a statement from the airline.

The service will reconnect Addis Ababa Bole International Airport with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports, providing passengers with access to Ethiopian’s extensive network across Africa via its Addis Ababa hub. The route will operate three times weekly using Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

Group CEO Mesfin Tasew stated that Atlanta is one of the most vibrant markets in the United States, and the airline is delighted to bring this route back into its network. “The route serves growing demand from business travelers, members of the African diaspora, and tourists seeking convenient access to destinations across the African continent,” he said.

The airline had suspended the Addis Ababa-Atlanta route in early February 2026, citing competitive pressure on transatlantic traffic flows and softer-than-expected passenger demand following its launch in May 2023. The suspension was initially planned as a six-month pause, with booking systems indicating availability from June 2026 onward.

Atlanta hosts one of the largest African diaspora communities in the United States and serves as a major economic and cultural center. The renewed service will provide convenient travel options for passengers connecting to cities across the southeastern US as well as onward destinations throughout Africa via Addis Ababa.

Ethiopian currently operates flights to multiple US destinations including Washington Dulles, Newark, and Chicago, and continues strengthening its transatlantic network as part of its long-term Vision 2035 growth strategy. The reintroduction of the Atlanta route further enhances the airline’s role as a vital bridge linking Africa with the rest of the world.

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