Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopia's state-owned flag carrier, operating an extensive African network alongside long-haul international services from its Addis Ababa hub.
About Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines is Ethiopia's national flag carrier and one of Africa's longest-established continuously operating airlines. Founded in 1945, it began scheduled services in 1946 and remains wholly owned by the Ethiopian government. The airline has developed from a domestic operator into a major international carrier, using its Ethiopian identity and geographic position to connect markets across Africa with destinations farther abroad.
The airline's primary hub is Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, where most of its domestic, regional and intercontinental services connect. It operates 227 routes serving 83 destinations across 55 countries. Addis Ababa is its busiest departure point, followed by Lome, Cotonou, Douala and Libreville. Its network includes African capitals and commercial centres, domestic Ethiopian cities, and long-haul links to Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Aircraft recorded in its operations include Boeing 787-8, 777-200LR, 767-300, 757-200, 737-800 and 737-700 jets, alongside Airbus A330-300 aircraft and De Havilland Canada Dash 8 turboprops. This mix supports short domestic sectors, regional services and long-haul flights. Economy Class is offered throughout the network, while Cloud Nine, Ethiopian's business-class product, is available on eligible aircraft and routes.
Ethiopian Airlines has been a member of Star Alliance since 2011, giving eligible passengers access to a broad partner network and reciprocal benefits that depend on membership status and fare conditions. Its frequent-flyer programme is ShebaMiles. Members can earn and redeem miles with Ethiopian Airlines and participating partners, while higher tiers may receive benefits such as priority services, additional baggage allowances and lounge access where applicable.
A major strength is the breadth of connectivity available through Addis Ababa, particularly for journeys between African cities that may have few convenient nonstop alternatives. The varied fleet also lets the airline serve markets ranging from smaller domestic airports to intercontinental gateways. A practical challenge is that many itineraries rely on connections, so passengers should allow adequate transfer time and confirm terminal, baggage and entry requirements before travel.
Good to know
Flying with Ethiopian Airlines — what to expect
Addis Ababa Connections
Many international itineraries connect through Addis Ababa. Check the scheduled transfer time and any transit or entry requirements before departure.
Mixed Aircraft Fleet
Aircraft and cabin layouts vary considerably between domestic, regional and long-haul services. Review the operating aircraft when selecting a seat, while remembering that substitutions can occur.
Baggage Rules Vary
Allowances depend on the route, cabin, fare and frequent-flyer status. Confirm the limits shown on your ticket, especially when connecting to a partner airline.
Cloud Nine Cabin
Cloud Nine is Ethiopian Airlines' business-class product, but seat design and onboard features vary by aircraft. Long-haul wide-body services generally provide the fullest cabin experience.
ShebaMiles Benefits
ShebaMiles members can earn miles on eligible Ethiopian Airlines and partner flights. Star Alliance recognition and benefits depend on tier status and the operating carrier's rules.
Domestic Connections
Dash 8 turboprops are used on parts of the domestic and regional network. These aircraft may have less cabin and overhead-storage space than the airline's mainline jets.
Network overview
Where Ethiopian Airlines flies
Ethiopian Airlines operates 227 routes to 83 destinations across 55 countries, its longest sector reaching Washington to Addis Ababa (11,561 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Ethiopian Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Washington → Addis Ababa
11,561 km · IAD → ADD
The longest sector in the Ethiopian Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Ethiopian Airlines
Notable destinations on Ethiopian Airlines's network.
ETAddis AbabadirectETLomedirectETCotonoudirectETDoualadirectETLibrevilledirectETMalabodirectETAbidjandirectETAccradirectETBamakodirectETLagosdirectETLalibeladirectETAbujadirectDestination list is indicative of Ethiopian Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
FAQ
Ethiopian Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Fares are often lower when booked early and when travel dates avoid major holidays and peak seasonal periods. Comparing nearby dates and midweek departures can reveal better prices, although availability varies by route.
- Ethiopian Airlines flies to 83 destinations across 55 countries, operating 227 routes.
- Ethiopian Airlines' primary hub is Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Its other busiest departure points are Lome, Cotonou, Douala and Libreville.
- The airline's busiest departure hub is Addis Ababa, followed by Lome, Cotonou, Douala and Libreville. Addis Ababa provides the widest range of connecting options.
- Ethiopian Airlines serves domestic Ethiopian cities and destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. Examples include Addis Ababa, Lome, Cotonou, Douala, Accra, Lagos, Abuja and Lalibela.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.
- Carry-on limits depend on the cabin, fare and operating flight. Check the allowance stated on your booking before travel, as smaller regional aircraft may also have tighter onboard-storage constraints.
- The longest Ethiopian Airlines route is Washington to Addis Ababa, about 11,561 km nonstop.