Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa's largest airline, has officially commenced thrice-weekly passenger service to Hyderabad, India, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing global expansion. The new route, which started on June 16, 2025, makes Hyderabad the airline’s sixth vibrant destination in India, underscoring its commitment to strengthening economic, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Africa and the rapidly developing South Asian nation.
The new flights will feature convenient midday departures from Addis Ababa, offering passengers enhanced connectivity and more travel alternatives.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, emphasized the airline's unwavering dedication to global connectivity. "Today, we have gathered here to celebrate the opening of a new passenger route, connecting Hyderabad to our 140 plus destinations worldwide as our sixth destination in India," he stated. Mesfin highlighted that the launch of the Hyderabad route is a "testament to that commitment and our dedication to offering seamless options to our passengers traveling between India and our vast global network." He also expressed his belief that "this flight will deepen the ties that bind friendship and cooperation between Africa and India, and strengthen the continuity of a successful future for India and Ethiopia."
Since its inaugural flight to New Delhi in 1966, Ethiopian Airlines has steadily expanded its presence in India. It now boasts over fifty weekly passenger and cargo flights across Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. The new passenger service to Hyderabad is particularly notable, elevating the city from a cargo-only destination to a dual passenger and cargo hub. This move further solidifies Ethiopian Airlines' presence in the region and provides more flight alternatives for travelers. According to Mesfin, the new flight "signifies the commitment of Ethiopian Airlines to the advancement of air transport connectivity in Asia and beyond and it will also provide our passengers with more options for seamless travel."
On his part, Anil Kumar Rai, Ambassador of India to Ethiopia, lauded Ethiopian Airlines for its strategic decision, recognizing Hyderabad's multifaceted importance. He emphasized the city's strong reputation for entrepreneurship. "I am extremely happy that today Ethiopian Airlines is starting a new route to connect India and that to a city which is known for its entrepreneurship," Ambassador Rai stated.
He also highlighted Hyderabad's unique distinction as "the place which has the highest number of Indians who are holding American nationality." Ambassador Rai predicted the flight's popularity among those transiting through Ethiopia, noting, "…I believe that this flight is going to become very popular among those American citizens who want to transit through Ethiopia." This kind of connectivity will increase the exchange of knowledge between Ethiopia and India."
Beyond business and technology, the ambassador underscored Hyderabad's growing prominence in the medical and education sectors. He revealed that "in the recent past, particularly after COVID, Hyderabad has also emerged as a center for biomedical engineering and medical devices," adding, "So, this link is certainly going to help in that regard." He further noted that "Hyderabad is an extremely popular destination for people who want to seek advanced medical treatment in India" and highlighted the significant number of medical visas issued daily. The ambassador concluded that the new direct flight would bring tremendous benefits, as they used to take connection flights either from Delhi or from Mumbai. So, this is going to be quite helpful for those people who are going to take medical treatment in India."