UAE-Africa travel: Sharjah Airport welcomes first Ethiopian Airlines flight
Four weekly flights now connect Sharjah and Addis Ababa directly
SHARJAH Airport marked a major milestone in its global connectivity journey on June 2, 2025, as it welcomed the inaugural Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
The arrival of the flight was celebrated in a formal reception attended by senior officials and representatives from both sides, highlighting the significance of this new connection.
The launch of this route represents a strategic leap in Sharjah’s efforts to broaden its international footprint – particularly into Africa.
As one of the UAE’s most active gateways, Sharjah Airport continues to attract global carriers seeking efficient access to emerging markets. The new partnership with Ethiopian Airlines comes as part of an ambitious expansion strategy, reinforcing the airport’s role as a key player in regional and intercontinental aviation.
Sharjah welcomes Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines will now operate four weekly flights between Addis Ababa and Sharjah. Departures from Addis Ababa to Sharjah are scheduled every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. The return flights from Sharjah to Addis Ababa depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), noted that this strategic route not only strengthens Sharjah’s connectivity with Africa but also supports trade and investment flows between the UAE and the continent. He added that the partnership reflects growing demand for regional and global travel and aligns with the airport’s expansion plans to accommodate 25 million passengers annually by the end of 2027.
Al Midfa emphasised that Sharjah Airport is committed to offering high-quality, efficient, and diversified services through smart technologies and advanced systems. These developments aim to improve operational performance, sustainability, and overall passenger experience – further reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a standout regional hub.
Boosting ties
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed his satisfaction with the airline’s extended reach into the UAE. “We are truly delighted to connect our passengers to an additional getaway in the UAE with our new flights to Sharjah,” he stated. Highlighting nearly five decades of Ethiopian Airlines’ service to the UAE, he added that the new route is set to bolster investment, tourism, diplomatic, and socioeconomic ties between the two regions.
Service excellence
Sharjah Airport continues to attract leading global airlines by offering a comprehensive ecosystem of services aligned with international aviation best practices. Its operational model is built to accommodate the evolving needs of airline partners through the integration of cutting-edge technologies.
Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s top carriers, currently serves 142 international destinations for both passenger and cargo operations. Known for its safety standards and operational efficiency, the airline adds strategic value to Sharjah Airport’s growing network and long-term goals for expansion.