Ethiopian Airlines Launches Historic New Route to Porto, Strengthening Africa–Europe Ties
Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest aviation powerhouse and one of the world’s fastest-growing airline brands, has inaugurated a new passenger route between Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Porto, Portugal – marking a major leap in its global expansion drive and deepening connectivity between Africa and Europe.
The maiden flight took off from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on Tuesday, 2 July 2025, amid a colourful launch ceremony graced by dignitaries, industry stakeholders, invited guests, and top airline executives.
Speaking during the event, Mr Mesfin Tasew, Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines Group, hailed the new service as a strategic step in connecting cultures and economies.
“We are truly delighted to launch a new flight to Porto, Portugal, reinforcing yet another link between Africa and Europe,” he said. “This new route is beyond a connection between Addis Ababa and Porto. It is a bridge between Africa and Europe.”
Tasew reiterated the airline’s mission to enhance passenger convenience through seamless travel experiences and world-class service. “As we expand our global network, we remain committed to delivering our signature Ethiopian hospitality and reliable service to every corner of the world we fly to,” he added.
The new service will operate four times weekly using the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with a brief stopover in Madrid, Spain. This new route not only opens a fresh gateway into Portugal but also reinforces Ethiopian Airlines’ status as the leading connector of Africa to the world.
Porto, Portugal’s second largest city and a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site, is a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and history.
With its picturesque riverfront, centuries-old architecture, and dynamic business scene, Porto is expected to attract a blend of leisure and corporate travellers under the new service.
The route’s inauguration is expected to boost bilateral socio-economic relations between Ethiopia and Portugal while offering more travel choices to African and European passengers alike.
Ethiopian Airlines continues to soar on the wings of excellence, having recently clinched the ‘Best Airline in Africa’ title for the eighth consecutive time at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards – a testament to its unwavering commitment to service quality and global connectivity.
With Porto now added to its extensive international network, the airline further cements its role as a vital bridge linking Africa with other continents.
