Etihad Airways has announced a major expansion of its Africa network, adding new routes from Abu Dhabi to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
The move forms part of the airline’s global growth strategy and strengthens its presence in high-growth African markets, where demand for passenger, cargo and trade-linked connectivity continues to rise.
The expansion also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a gateway for trade, investment and cargo flows between Africa and Asia. It follows Etihad’s recent growth in China, including increased frequencies and a deeper partnership with China Eastern Airlines, while also building on the airline’s extensive India network.
Together, these developments create a more efficient corridor connecting Africa, the Middle East, India and Asia through Abu Dhabi.
The expansion also aligns with growing economic ties between the UAE and Africa, particularly across energy, infrastructure, mining and logistics. Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a key enabler of these trade and investment flows.
Etihad said the new services also complement its strategic joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines, which this month marked 80 years of operations.
Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said Africa represents a natural next step in the airline’s network expansion. He noted that these markets are supported by strong demand driven by trade, investment and population growth.
According to Neves, demand for air connectivity across key African markets is outpacing existing supply, particularly in cargo and trade-linked sectors. The new routes are designed as a direct response to that structural opportunity.
The expansion will create direct links between Abu Dhabi and key African markets, while also enabling one-stop connections to China, India, wider Asia and the Middle East.
The new destinations include Accra in Ghana, one of West Africa’s most dynamic capitals; Asmara in Eritrea, known for its UNESCO-listed modernist and art deco architecture; Harare in Zimbabwe, a high-altitude capital with strong cultural appeal; Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a major river city of around 17 million people; Lubumbashi, the mining-driven capital of Haut-Katanga province; and Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and one of Africa’s most influential commercial and cultural centres.
For cargo, the new routes will be particularly important for sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure, where speed, reliability and market access are critical.
Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport will sit at the centre of these flows, connecting Africa with Asia, Europe and the Americas across Etihad’s expanding global network.
Etihad Cargo, described as the largest freighter operator between China and the Middle East, will provide bellyhold capacity across all new services, supported by dedicated freight products tailored to the export and import profile of each destination market.
