Ethiopian Airlines reconnects London-Gatwick with three weekly flights after 17 years

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s biggest carrier, has announced that it will recommence three weekly flight service to/from London-Gatwick, starting from November 21, 2023. 

The airline said the new service will be operational every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday according to the schedule below.

Regarding the commencement of the flight, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We have a 50-year relation with the UK. We give high regards to our Heathrow services and now we are excited to add Gatwick to our vast global network. We are ready to stretch our reach to Gatwick and provide our renowned, award-winning services. 

“History has it that we last served Gatwick in 2005 and 2006 using the Boeing 757, but now the route will be served by the most modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

“Over the years, we have established commendable partnerships with over 100 UK based companies in the aviation sector. Our expansion in the UK, among others, will enable us to nurture this cooperation and partnership to a higher level.”

The new service by Ethiopian will offer a direct flight between London-Gatwick and Addis Ababa onboard Airbus A350 with Business Class and Economy cabins, providing seamless connectivity to Ethiopian Airlines’ vast global networks stretched across Africa, Far East, the Americas and Asia. 

Commenting on the new service, Mr. Henock Woubishet, Area Manager UK & Ireland said, “The UK is a strong and important market for Ethiopian. Adding London-Gatwick to our UK schedule is truly great news as it will enable us to provide much-needed capacity not only for our passengers but also for our cargo services carried in the belly hold. Ethiopian will now serve London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester Airports.”

Stephanie Wear, VP Aviation Development, London Gatwick said, “We are delighted to welcome Ethiopian Airlines back to London Gatwick this winter. As the largest carrier in Africa, this is an excellent addition to our network and adds a valuable, direct connection to Eastern Africa. 

“Ethiopian Airlines is the latest in a number of carriers looking to operate long-haul routes from Gatwick, which further highlights the strong demand for slots at our airport. 

“It is also fantastic news for passengers across London and the South East to have more choice and direct services to Addis Ababa, as well as greater opportunities for onward connections across Africa, Asia and the Middle East.”

The service will complement the airline’s daily non-stop A350 flights from T2 London Heathrow to Addis Ababa and 5 x weekly A350 service from T2 Manchester to Addis Ababa, with connections to more than 60 African destinations across East, South, Central and West Africa and connections to the Far East & Asia.