Ethiopian Airlines Launches Second Abuja Frequency, Deepens Nigeria-Ethiopia Aviation Partnership
Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched its second frequency to Abuja, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s 65-year relationship with Nigeria and reinforcing the strategic aviation partnership between the two African nations.
Speaking at a grand event to commemorate the launch in Abuja, the Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria, Mrs Firiehewot Mekonnen, described the occasion as both historic and deeply personal.
“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this remarkable and historic occasion – the official launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ second frequency to Abuja. Today, we are not only adding another flight; we are celebrating a deeper partnership, a stronger connection, and a shared journey between two great nations – Ethiopia and Nigeria,” she said.
Reflecting on her professional journey, Mrs Mekonnen noted that her career with Ethiopian Airlines began in Nigeria many years ago, making the return to Abuja for the launch a nostalgic and fulfilling moment. “It is a reflection of growth, progress, and enduring partnership,” she remarked.
Ethiopian Airlines, which first began operations to Nigeria in 1960 – shortly after the country’s independence – has since expanded its network to four key Nigerian cities: Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Kano.
Over the decades, it has served millions of Nigerian passengers, establishing itself as a trusted and beloved carrier in the region.
“With this new service, we mark yet another milestone – the start of a second frequency to Abuja, the capital of Nigeria,” Mrs Mekonnen announced. “This development symbolises our continued commitment to strengthening the deep-rooted ties between Ethiopia and Nigeria and supporting Nigeria’s position as a leading aviation and economic hub in Africa.”
Under the new schedule, Ethiopian Airlines will operate three additional evening flights weekly from Abuja, complementing its existing daily midday service. The new evening service – ET 957 – will depart Abuja at 10:00 PM and arrive in Addis Ababa at 5:00 AM, providing convenient onward connections to key African, Middle Eastern, and global destinations such as Dubai, Tel Aviv, São Paulo, Johannesburg, and Nairobi.
With the addition, the airline now operates 34 weekly flights between Nigeria and Ethiopia, comprising:
Lagos – 14 weekly flights (twice daily)
Abuja – 10 weekly flights (7 midday + 3 evening)
Enugu – 3 weekly flights
Kano – 7 weekly flights
This extensive network cements Ethiopian Airlines’ position as the largest international carrier operating into Nigeria.
Mrs Mekonnen highlighted the growing status of Abuja as a global hub for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), noting that the new evening service would help position the city as “the Conference Capital of Africa.”
“With this new frequency, we aim to make Abuja a preferred gateway for global business, tourism, and diplomacy,” she explained. “Our vision is to help transform Abuja into a thriving international meeting point.”
Reaffirming the airline’s long-standing bond with Nigeria, the Area Manager said Ethiopian Airlines’ partnership with the country has always been “symbiotic – built on mutual respect, shared vision, and trust.”
“We love Nigeria, and Nigerians have always loved Ethiopian Airlines,” she added. “Together, we have connected Nigeria to over 150 global destinations through our Addis Ababa hub, using one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world, including the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 787 Dreamliner.”
She expressed appreciation to the Government of Nigeria, particularly the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, as well as travel partners and loyal customers who have supported the airline’s journey over the decades.
“Our continued growth in Nigeria reflects not only our commercial success but also our unwavering belief in the Nigerian market, its people, and its future,” she said. “We remain committed to providing world-class service, supporting tourism and trade, and contributing to Nigeria’s aviation development for decades to come.”
As the event concluded, Mrs Mekonnen extended gratitude to all attendees and reiterated the airline’s vision: “Let us continue to elevate the partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Nigeria to even greater heights. Together, we will keep flying – connecting Africa, connecting the world, and connecting hearts.”
