Ethiopian Airlines will send a 737 MAX-8 aircraft to Hyderabad, with 160 seats.
ADDIS ABABA- Ethiopian Airlines (ET), Africa’s largest carrier, has announced new non-stop flights from Hyderabad (HYD) to Addis Ababa (ADD). The airline will start flying to Hyderabad on June 16, 2025.
This is a crucial step towards developing links between India and Africa while also extending Ethiopian Airlines’ presence in the Indian subcontinent.
Ethiopian Hyderabad to Addis Ababa flights
Ethiopian Airlines will begin flights between Hyderabad and Addis Ababa on June 16, 2025. The airline will run three flights every week. The great circle distance between the two cities is approximately 4,385 kilometres (2724.7 miles).
- Flight ET682 will depart Addis Ababa at 04:10 p.m. local time. It will land in Hyderabad at 12:40 a.m. (+1) IST. The flight’s expected block time is 6 hours. Flights from Addis Abeba will run on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
- The return flight, ET683, will depart Hyderabad at 01:55 a.m. IST. The flight will land in Addis Abeba at 5:55 a.m. local time. The return flight is estimated to last approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes. Flights from Hyderabad will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Ethiopian Airlines will fly its Boeing 737 MAX-8 to Hyderabad. The aircraft has 160 seats. Ethiopian’s 737 MAX-8s have 16 business class seats and 144 economy class seats.
Ethiopian’s Growing Network
Hyderabad, often known as the “City of Pearls,” has developed into a significant economic powerhouse. Ethiopian’s decision to travel to Hyderabad highlights the prospects that the city may provide. For the first time, Hyderabad will have direct, nonstop flights to Africa.
Addis Abeba’s Bole International Airport acts as a significant transit point for passengers travelling between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Hyderabad will be the airline’s fifth destination in India, joining existing operations in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
This new route will allow travellers from Hyderabad to connect easily to over 130 destinations on Ethiopian Airlines’ worldwide network, including key cities such as Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, and North America.
India-Africa Growing Demand
India-Africa air travel demand has steadily increased over the years. The expansion was mostly driven by increased trade, investment, and tourism. Hyderabad is a major hub for the pharmaceutical industry, which has extensive linkages to African countries.
In 2023, 80,000 individuals flew from Hyderabad to the African continent. This demonstrates that there is a significant desire for connectivity between the metropolis and Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines’ new flights to Hyderabad highlight the airline’s intention to capitalise on this expanding demand.
Cultural ties have an essential role in increasing connectivity between the two regions. The migration of students and visitors between India and Africa has expanded dramatically, making direct flight connectivity like this one even more important.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The introduction of Hyderabad-Addis Abeba flights will bolster India-Africa relations. India is one of Africa’s most important trading partners, with bilateral trade topping $90 billion in recent years. Ethiopia, as the African Union’s headquarters, is an important strategic partner for India in its involvement with the continent.
Ethiopian Airlines’ request for further rights was approved in July 2024. The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) approved 3x weekly additional permissions, bringing the total weekly flying rights to 38x from 35x weekly.
Following this development, Ethiopian Airlines was slated to fly into Hyderabad in October 2024. However, the flights were not available for reservation. The airline will finally link to Hyderabad in June 2025.
Bottom Line
Ethiopian Airlines’ new Hyderabad-Addis Ababa service is expected to bridge the gap between two fast rising cities, creating new opportunities for trade, travel, and tourism.
The performance of this route will be determined by demand from both business and leisure travellers, but the potential for success appears to be high given India’s and Africa’s existing characteristics.
FAQ
What is the new route launched by Ethiopian Airlines?
Ethiopian Airlines has introduced a new route connecting Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to Hyderabad, India. This enhances connectivity between Africa and South Asia.
When will Ethiopian Airlines begin flights to Hyderabad?
The new flights are scheduled to commence operations from the announced date, providing travelers with more options between the two regions.
How often will Ethiopian Airlines operate flights on this route?
Ethiopian Airlines will operate flights on the Addis Ababa-Hyderabad route with a specific frequency, ensuring regular connectivity. Passengers are encouraged to check the airline’s website for the latest schedules.
What aircraft will Ethiopian Airlines use for the Hyderabad route?
The airline is expected to deploy its modern fleet, including Boeing or Airbus aircraft, for the Addis Ababa-Hyderabad route, ensuring passenger comfort and efficiency.
What are the benefits of this new route?
This new route strengthens ties between Africa and India, promotes trade and tourism, and provides convenient travel options for business and leisure travelers.
