Ethiopian Airlines Launches Direct Flights to Mauritius From July 12

Ethiopian Airlines has announced the launch of a new direct passenger service between Addis Ababa and Port Louis, Mauritius, as the carrier continues to expand its African network and strengthen regional connectivity across the continent.

The airline said the new route will commence operations on July 12, 2026, with three weekly flights connecting Ethiopia and the Indian Ocean island nation.

According to the airline, the service will operate every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, providing travelers with direct access between Addis Ababa and Mauritius while reducing travel time and improving connectivity for passengers across Africa and beyond.

Under the flight schedule, Ethiopian Airlines flight ET887 will depart Addis Ababa at 8:50 a.m. and arrive in Port Louis at 3:20 p.m. The return service, ET886, will depart Mauritius at 4:15 p.m. and arrive in Addis Ababa at 8:45 p.m.

The airline said the route will be operated using its Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, supporting its commitment to efficient and environmentally sustainable operations.

Commenting on the development, Mesfin Tasew, Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, said the new service would improve access to one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations while creating additional opportunities for trade and investment.

“We are delighted to launch this direct flight service to Mauritius, making it easier for Africans and other international tourists to visit this beautiful African island destination while also enhancing business and trade opportunities,” Tasew said.

He added that expanding the airline’s African network remains a strategic priority as the company works to strengthen connectivity among African nations and improve links between the continent and the rest of the world.

Before the introduction of the direct service, Ethiopian Airlines served Mauritius through codeshare and interline partnerships routed through regional hubs including Johannesburg, Nairobi and Antananarivo.

The new nonstop connection is expected to provide greater convenience for travelers while improving access to the airline’s extensive international network through Addis Ababa.

The launch aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ broader strategy of supporting economic integration, tourism development and cross-border trade across Africa.

Industry analysts expect the route to facilitate stronger business ties between East Africa and the Indian Ocean region while enhancing travel options for leisure and corporate passengers.

Mauritius has emerged as one of Africa’s leading tourism and financial services destinations, attracting visitors and investors from across the continent and beyond.

Improved air connectivity is expected to further support the country’s tourism industry and economic development objectives.

Ethiopian Airlines remains Africa’s largest airline by network size and destination coverage, serving more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations across five continents.

The carrier has continued to expand its footprint through a multi-hub strategy that includes partnerships and affiliated airlines in countries such as Togo, Malawi, Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The addition of Mauritius further strengthens the airline’s position as a key connector of African markets and reinforces its ambition to drive greater integration and mobility across the continent.