Sharjah Airport officially launched direct flights to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, through Air Arabia, expanding its portfolio of destinations within Africa. The inaugural flight was marked by the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority; Sheikh Faisal Bin Saoud Al Qassimi, Director of the Authority; Ambassador Aklilu Kebede Erena, Ethiopian Consul-General to the UAE; Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia; and other senior representatives from both sides.
Service routine
The new service will run three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—using Air Arabia’s Airbus A320 aircraft. Speaking at the event, Al Midfa emphasized that this new connection reflects Sharjah Airport’s strategic focus on expanding its reach into African cities. He highlighted the route’s importance in addressing the rising demand for travel and freight between the UAE and Ethiopia. He also noted that trade, tourism, and cargo flows between the two nations have been steadily growing, supporting broader development.
Ambassador Erena described the route as a significant link that goes beyond aviation, serving to deepen the cultural and economic relationship between the two countries. He expressed optimism that the route would eventually become a daily service as travel demand increases.
Air Arabia’s Group CEO, Adel Al Ali, reaffirmed the airline’s mission to offer cost-effective and dependable air travel. He stated that this addition aligns with the company’s goal to strengthen its global network while improving convenience for both business and leisure travelers.