The UAE national carrier will be launching six new routes to Africa, connecting Abu Dhabi to more key markets across the continent
Etihad Airways will be majorly expanding its African network, as it prepares to launch new services to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. Launching from Abu Dhabi, the new routes are part of the carrier’s global growth strategy to invest in high-growth markets and improve connectivity for trade, cargo, and passenger mobility.
The rollout will begin on 7 November, 2026, with four weekly flights to Asmara, Eritrea. In March 2027, the airline will introduce four weekly flights to Accra, Ghana, and three weekly flights to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lagos, Nigeria, will receive a daily service starting 18 March, 2027, while a linked three-weekly service to Harare, Zimbabwe, and Lubumbashi, DR Congo, will commence on 24 March, 2027.
The expansion follows Etihad’s recent growth in China, and its partnership with China Eastern Airlines. By adding these African destinations, the airline intends to position Abu Dhabi as a primary gateway linking Africa, India, and Asia – and in doing so, aligning with the UAE’s deepening economic ties with the continent across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and logistics.
The new services will complement Etihad’s strategic joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, which recently marked 80 years of operations.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Africa is a natural and compelling next step in Etihad’s network expansion. These are markets with strong underlying demand, driven by trade, investment and population growth. Our role is to provide the connectivity that enables that growth. Demand for air connectivity across key African markets is outpacing existing supply, particularly in cargo and trade-linked sectors. This expansion is a direct response to that structural opportunity.
“By extending our network alongside our recent China expansion, we are enabling a more efficient corridor linking Africa, the Middle East and Asia through Abu Dhabi. For passengers, this creates simpler, faster journeys. For cargo, it provides more direct and reliable access between two regions where trade is growing rapidly.”
Beyond the passenger travel, Etihad Cargo will also provide belly-hold capacity on all new routes. As the largest freighter operator between China and the Middle East, the airline aims to facilitate the movement of goods in sectors including manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
