Sharjah Airport Welcomes the First Ethiopian Airlines Flight in a Milestone Expansion Toward Africa

In a significant expansion of its route network in Africa, Sharjah Airport has officially greeted the first direct flight by Ethiopian Airlines on June 2, 2025. This event marks a new era in the airport’s growing global connectivity. The move showcases Sharjah’s increasing importance on the regional and international aviation scene, as more global airlines select the airport as a key operational hub linking the Middle East to Africa.

Officials and representatives from both sides attended a reception to welcome the inaugural flight. Ethiopian Airlines now operates four weekly flights between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and Sharjah Airport on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with return flights departing Sharjah on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, heading to Addis Ababa.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), highlighted that the partnership with Ethiopian Airlines aligns with the airport’s efforts to expand its destination network and connect Sharjah with vital emerging markets. This move corresponds with the increasing demand for regional and international travel, supported by the airport’s expansion strategy and development projects aiming to increase total passenger capacity to 25 million annually by the end of 2027.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed excitement about connecting passengers to another destination in the UAE with the new flights to Sharjah. He emphasized that the new service will enhance investment, tourism, diplomatic, and socioeconomic ties between the regions.

Sharjah Airport Authority continues to improve its offerings to attract global airlines by providing a comprehensive service ecosystem tailored to meet the evolving needs and goals of aviation partners. Ethiopian Airlines, a leading carrier in Africa, operates flights to 142 international destinations for passengers and cargo, known for its operational efficiency and adherence to the highest global safety and quality standards.