Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Ethiopian Airlines will open a Australia route in 2028, sealing its status as the first African carrier with scheduled service on every inhabited continent, according to official statements released Thursday.
The planned flights, timed to coincide with the airline’s 80th anniversary, mark the last gap in a network that already reaches 140 international points across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. Local reports say Melbourne or Sydney will receive thrice-weekly departures aboard the airline’s new-generation wide-body fleet.
Official statements indicate the decision follows a three — year traffic study that showed rising travel demand between Australia and the Horn of Africa, driven by education, mining, and diaspora traffic.
No slot applications have yet been filed with Australian regulators; the carrier said it will open crew bases and maintenance agreements “in due course. ” Ethiopian has expanded aggressively since 2010, adding 63 foreign cities and turning its Addis Ababa hub into the continent’s busiest transfer point.
Analysts note the Australia link will give the airline a circum — global cargo path—eastbound via Asia, westbound via the Gulf—cutting delivery times for perishables such as flowers and coffee.
The government — owned company has not disclosed ticket prices or exact launch dates. Sources close to the matter said the route is expected to operate with a refuelling stop, pending delivery of longer-range aircraft on order.
Further details were not immediately available.
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Source: Africa.
