Etihad Airways today announced a significant expansion of its Africa network, adding new routes to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe from Abu Dhabi, as part of its continued global growth strategy.

The new services reflect investment in high-growth markets, supporting increasing connectivity across trade, cargo and mobility.

Recent China expansion and deeper partnerships position Abu Dhabi as a gateway between Africa, India, and Asia, supporting efficient movement of goods and people between fast-growing regions.

It also aligns with growing economic ties between the UAE and Africa, including increasing trade, investment, and commercial partnerships across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, mining, and logistics. Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its role in enabling these flows, supporting deeper economic engagement between the regions.

In parallel, it also complements Etihad’s strategic joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, which this month marked 80 years of operations, further strengthening connectivity across the African continent.

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Africa is a compelling next step in Etihad’s expansion. These markets have strong demand, driven by trade, investment and population growth. Our role is to provide the connectivity that supports this growth.”

“Demand for air connectivity across key African markets exceeds current supply, especially in cargo and trade. This expansion responds to that opportunity.”

“By extending our network alongside recent China expansion, we create a more efficient corridor linking Africa, the Middle East and Asia via Abu Dhabi. This means simpler journeys for passengers and more reliable cargo access where trade is growing rapidly.”

The new services will provide direct links between African markets and Abu Dhabi, while enabling one-stop connections to China, India, across Asia and throughout the Middle East.

DESTINATIONS

Accra, Ghana, is one of West Africa’s most welcoming and energetic capitals, where a thriving arts scene and the buzzing Osu neighbourhood make it an increasingly compelling destination.

Asmara, Eritrea: A city noted for its UNESCO-listed modernist and art deco architecture, offering a unique atmosphere within Africa.

Harare, Zimbabwe, is a leafy, grid-planned capital at high altitude on the Highveld, where the National Gallery, vibrant Mbare market and a warm-hearted population make it a city of charm and understated sophistication.

Kinshasa, DR Congo, a major river city of some 17 million on the banks of the Congo, is the birthplace of soukous and rumba and home to a cultural scene of extraordinary depth and creativity.

Lubumbashi, DR Congo: The capital of Haut-Katanga province, known for its mining industry and home to the Lubumbashi Museum, which houses a significant ethnographic collection.

Lagos, Nigeria, Africa’s largest city, a megapolis of more than 20 million people, where entrepreneurial energy and a globally influential music and food scene define the experience.

New routes allow single-connection journeys between African and Asian cities via Abu Dhabi, offering greater efficiency for key sectors that require speed and market access.

Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport sits at the centre of these flows, offering efficient connections across Etihad’s expanding global network, with geographic reach spanning Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Freight capacity will play a critical role, with Etihad Cargo, the largest freighter operator between China and the Middle East, offering belly-hold capacity across all new services. Dedicated freight products will be tailored to the specific export and import profiles of each African destination, supporting the efficient and reliable movement of goods, including perishables, industrial products, and pharmaceuticals, to and from these markets. This will help maximise value for African businesses and provide direct access to a wider global network.