Ethiopian Airlines Expands African Network with New Direct Mauritius Service
Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced the introduction of a new direct passenger service connecting Addis Ababa with Port Louis, Mauritius, in a move aimed at boosting tourism, trade and regional integration across Africa.
The airline, regarded as the continent’s largest network carrier, said the three-times-weekly service will commence on July 12, 2026, providing travellers with a faster and more convenient link to the Indian Ocean island nation.
According to the airline, the flights will operate every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, further expanding its growing African network and strengthening connectivity between regional markets and international destinations.
The launch of the route forms part of Ethiopian Airlines’ broader strategy to deepen continental integration and support economic growth across Southeast Africa and beyond.
The carrier said the new service is expected to facilitate increased tourism, enhance commercial activities and foster stronger cultural and people-to-people ties.
Speaking on the significance of the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, Mr Mesfin Tasew, said the airline was pleased to introduce the direct connection to Mauritius, describing the island nation as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations.
He noted that the service would make travel to Mauritius easier for both African and international visitors while also creating fresh opportunities for businesses and traders.
“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 footprint within Africa remained a major priority for Ethiopian Airlines, in line with its vision of promoting stronger links among African countries and improving the continent’s connectivity with the wider world.
“Expanding our African network remains one of our top priorities, in line with our vision of strengthening connectivity among African nations and linking the continent more closely with the rest of the world,” he added.
Prior to the introduction of the direct route, passengers travelling with Ethiopian Airlines to Mauritius had to rely on interline and codeshare arrangements through regional transit points, including Johannesburg, Nairobi and Antananarivo.
The commencement of non-stop flights is expected to significantly reduce travel times and improve passenger convenience by offering more seamless connections through Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
Travellers wishing to use the service can now make reservations through the airline’s preferred booking platforms and sales channels.
The latest route expansion underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ continued investment in strengthening intra-African connectivity and consolidating its position as a key player in the continent’s aviation industry.
Analysts believe the new service will contribute to increased tourist arrivals in Mauritius and provide a fresh impetus for economic cooperation and commercial exchanges between the island nation and the rest of Africa.
With the addition of Port Louis to its route network, Ethiopian Airlines continues to reinforce its role as a strategic gateway linking African destinations with major global markets while supporting the African Union’s vision of greater regional integration and economic development.
