Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier, has officially commenced passenger flights to Hyderabad, India, marking its fifth destination in the country.

The inaugural flight ceremony, was attended by Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew, Indian Ambassador to Ethiopia Shri Anil Kumar Rai, and other high-ranking officials from both nations.

Speaking at the event, the group CEO emphasized that the new route enhances connectivity not only between Ethiopia and India but also provides broader access to the African continent through Ethiopian’s extensive network of over 140 international destinations.

Ambassador Rai underscored the strategic importance of Hyderabad, calling it a “key commercial and innovation hub in India,” and welcomed the direct air link as a catalyst for deeper bilateral engagement across sectors.

The new route strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ presence in the Indian subcontinent, joining its existing services to New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.

Hyderabad, the capital of India’s Telangana state, is a major economic and cultural hub known for its thriving information technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. Often called “Cyberabad,” the city hosts global tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, and is home to Genome Valley, a leading biotech cluster. Its Rajiv Gandhi International Airport is among the top-ranked in Asia, serving as a strategic gateway to southern India. With a rich historical legacy and a growing reputation in medical tourism and education, Hyderabad plays a pivotal role in connecting India to global markets—making it a valuable addition to Ethiopian Airlines’ expanding network.

This development comes just two weeks after the airline launched its new route to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, now its second destination in the UAE after Dubai. The move underscores Ethiopian’s strategic commitment to route diversification and global network growth, aligned with its Vision 2035 strategy.