Air Arabia to launch direct...

Low-cost carrier will operate three flights a week from the UAE to the Ethiopian capital

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier, is launching a direct service between Sharjah, UAE and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital.

The fourth largest city in Africa, Addis Ababa is Ethiopia’s commercial and cultural hub.

Located in the highlands bordering the Great Rift Valley, Addis Ababa is home to a wealth of historical and cultural sites, museums and markets and is a vibrant hub for religious and cultural events. More than 5 million tourists visited city attractions in the last six months of 2024, with half a million international visitors, according to the Addis Ababa Culture, Arts and Tourism Bureau.

Addis Ababa also provides a gateway to Ethiopia’s diverse landscapes from lush forests and crater lakes to Africa’s largest mountain ranges.

From 30 January 2025, flights will operate three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, departing Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) at 21:25, arriving in Addis Ababa (ADD) at 00:40. The return service will leave ADD at 01:30, landing in Sharjah at 06:40 local time.

The addition of Addis Ababa to the airline’s extensive route map is a strategic move aimed at boosting opportunities for tourism, trade and investment between the UAE and Africa.

Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, said: "This new route reflects Air Arabia’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and fostering economic and cultural ties between the UAE and Ethiopia.

“By expanding our destinations from Sharjah, we aim to boost trade and tourism while continuing to offer affordable and convenient travel options to our customers.”

Air Arabia currently flies direct to airports in Uganda, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan and Eritrea, as well as more than 20 cities in North Africa.

For more information, visit www.airarabia.com

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