Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest airline by fleet and route network, has commenced a new passenger service connecting Addis Ababa with Porto, Portugal, as it further reinforces its position as a major hub linking Africa to Europe.
The inaugural flight departed from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on Tuesday following an official launch ceremony attended by dignitaries, guests and senior executives of the airline.
The new route will operate four times weekly, utilising the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with a single stop in Madrid, Spain.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, said the launch underscores the airline’s continued strategic expansion across Europe.
“We are truly delighted to launch a new flight to Porto, Portugal, reinforcing yet another link between Africa and Europe. This route is more than a connection between Addis Ababa and Porto; it is a bridge between Africa and Europe,” Tasew stated.
He added that the new service aligns with the airline’s commitment to deliver convenient, seamless global travel and its award-winning hospitality.
As we expand our global network, we remain dedicated to delivering our signature Ethiopian service and hospitality to every corner of the world we fly to.”
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and a key cultural and economic centre. Its historic centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making it an attractive destination for leisure and business travellers alike. The new direct link provides improved connectivity for passengers travelling between Africa and the Iberian Peninsula and strengthens the socio-economic ties between Ethiopia and Portugal.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to consolidate its position as Africa’s leading carrier. The airline was recently named Skytrax Best Airline in Africa at the 2025 World Airline Awards, marking its eighth consecutive win of the prestigious recognition.
With the addition of Porto, Ethiopian Airlines’ European network expands further, offering passengers more options for direct connections to major European cities while promoting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two continents.
The new route is expected to stimulate passenger traffic and cargo flows between Africa and Portugal and provide travellers with greater flexibility and connectivity through Ethiopian’s central hub in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates an extensive global network spanning over 130 international destinations across five continents. Its consistent fleet modernisation programme and network expansion have positioned the airline as one of the fastest-growing aviation groups worldwide.