emirates7 - As part of a major expansion of its route network into Africa, Sharjah Airport celebrated the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines’ first direct flight on 2 June 2025—marking a key milestone in the airport’s growing international reach.
This development highlights Sharjah’s increasing prominence as a regional and global aviation hub, as more international carriers identify it as a key gateway linking the Middle East with Africa.
The inaugural flight was received with an official welcome ceremony attended by senior officials and representatives from both parties.
Ethiopian Airlines will now operate four weekly flights between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and Sharjah Airport—on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Return flights from Sharjah to Addis Ababa will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Enhancing Trade and Investment Links with Africa
Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), said that this strategic collaboration with Ethiopia’s national carrier supports the airport’s broader mission to expand its network and build stronger ties with high-growth markets.
He emphasized that this move is in response to growing travel demand and is backed by Sharjah Airport’s ambitious expansion plan, which aims to increase passenger capacity to 25 million annually by the end of 2027.
Al Midfa described the new route as a major step in strengthening Sharjah Airport’s role as a vital air corridor facilitating trade and investment between the UAE and African countries. He reaffirmed the airport’s commitment to delivering top-tier service quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability through smart technologies and advanced digital solutions. These initiatives aim to provide a smooth, secure, and integrated travel experience, further cementing Sharjah’s position as a leading regional aviation hub.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed enthusiasm over the new connection, saying, “We are excited to offer our passengers another entry point into the UAE through our new Sharjah flights. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been bridging Africa and the UAE, and this service will further deepen the economic, tourism, diplomatic, and social ties between the regions.”
Sharjah Airport Authority continues to attract international airlines by offering a full-service ecosystem designed to meet the changing needs of its aviation partners. Its operations follow the latest global standards and integrate cutting-edge airport systems and technologies.
Ethiopian Airlines—widely regarded as one of Africa’s top carriers—serves 142 international destinations for both passengers and cargo, and is known for its operational excellence and adherence to the highest global safety and quality benchmarks.
This development highlights Sharjah’s increasing prominence as a regional and global aviation hub, as more international carriers identify it as a key gateway linking the Middle East with Africa.
The inaugural flight was received with an official welcome ceremony attended by senior officials and representatives from both parties.
Ethiopian Airlines will now operate four weekly flights between Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and Sharjah Airport—on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Return flights from Sharjah to Addis Ababa will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Enhancing Trade and Investment Links with Africa
Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority (SAA), said that this strategic collaboration with Ethiopia’s national carrier supports the airport’s broader mission to expand its network and build stronger ties with high-growth markets.
He emphasized that this move is in response to growing travel demand and is backed by Sharjah Airport’s ambitious expansion plan, which aims to increase passenger capacity to 25 million annually by the end of 2027.
Al Midfa described the new route as a major step in strengthening Sharjah Airport’s role as a vital air corridor facilitating trade and investment between the UAE and African countries. He reaffirmed the airport’s commitment to delivering top-tier service quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability through smart technologies and advanced digital solutions. These initiatives aim to provide a smooth, secure, and integrated travel experience, further cementing Sharjah’s position as a leading regional aviation hub.
Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, expressed enthusiasm over the new connection, saying, “We are excited to offer our passengers another entry point into the UAE through our new Sharjah flights. For nearly 50 years, we’ve been bridging Africa and the UAE, and this service will further deepen the economic, tourism, diplomatic, and social ties between the regions.”
Sharjah Airport Authority continues to attract international airlines by offering a full-service ecosystem designed to meet the changing needs of its aviation partners. Its operations follow the latest global standards and integrate cutting-edge airport systems and technologies.
Ethiopian Airlines—widely regarded as one of Africa’s top carriers—serves 142 international destinations for both passengers and cargo, and is known for its operational excellence and adherence to the highest global safety and quality benchmarks.