Ethiopian Airlines expands network as Addis Ababa targets major aviation hub status

Ethiopian Airlines is positioning Addis Ababa as a major aviation hub in Africa through network expansion and significant infrastructure development. Airbus executive Antonio Da Costa noted that passenger traffic in Ethiopia is projected to grow more than sixfold over the next 20 years. A key component of this growth is the planned new airport in Bishoftu, which is expected to accommodate up to 110 million passengers annually.

This expansion is part of a broader trend across the continent where airlines are increasing flight frequencies and developing partnerships to improve regional connectivity. Alongside Ethiopian Airlines, carriers such as Royal Air Maroc, RwandAir, Airlink, TAAG Angola Airlines, South African Airways, and Air Tanzania are expanding their fleets and routes. These developments aim to support regional tourism, business travel, and reduce reliance on overseas hubs by providing more direct connections within Africa.