Etihad Cargo is positioning itself to benefit directly from a major expansion of Etihad Airways’ passenger network across Africa, as the airline sharpens its focus on high-growth markets.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has confirmed the launch of new routes to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. The rollout is scheduled to begin towards the end of 2026 and will continue through spring 2027.
According to the airline, the expansion is part of a broader investment strategy aimed at reinforcing connectivity across trade, cargo and mobility flows. It also reflects strengthening economic ties between the United Arab Emirates and Africa, where trade and investment are accelerating across sectors such as infrastructure, mining, energy and logistics.
Chief executive Antonoaldo Neves highlighted a clear structural imbalance in the market.
Demand for air connectivity across key African markets is rising faster than available capacity, particularly in cargo and trade-driven sectors, he said, adding that the network expansion is designed to respond directly to that gap.
Operationally, the new routes will be deployed with multiple weekly frequencies. Flights to Asmara will operate four times per week from November 7, while Accra services will begin on March 17, 2027, also with four weekly rotations. Kinshasa will be served three times per week from March 18, while Lagos will receive daily flights starting the same date. Services to Harare and Lubumbashi will operate three times per week from March 24.
Etihad also underlined that the new African network will integrate closely with its growing operations in China, recently strengthened through a partnership with China Eastern Airlines, creating additional cargo opportunities across intercontinental trade lanes.
