Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has announced the launch of a new passenger flight route between Addis Ababa (ADD) and Hanoi, Vietnam (HAN), starting on July 10, 2025. The airline will operate the service four times a week using its modern Boeing 787 Dreamliners, providing enhanced comfort and convenience for long-haul travelers.
This new route will strengthen direct air connectivity between Africa and Southeast Asia, a market with limited non-stop connections. Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to expand into Hanoi reflects its strategic goal of increasing its presence in Southeast Asia and improving travel options for passengers across its extensive network.
Ethiopian Airlines
The new Hanoi service will complement Ethiopian Airlines’ existing cargo operations in Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), which have been running since 2016. The airline currently operates freighter services to Ho Chi Minh City twice weekly, supporting trade in electronics, textiles, and agricultural products. The addition of passenger flights to Hanoi is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural ties between Vietnam and Africa. Ethiopian Airlines’ Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, highlighted that this expansion will create new opportunities for collaboration and connectivity between the two regions.
This expansion positions Ethiopian Airlines as a key player in the growing Asia-Africa aviation corridor. Few carriers currently operate direct flights between Africa and Southeast Asia, giving Ethiopian Airlines a competitive edge in the market. The new route will make it easier for passengers to connect to Ethiopian’s network across Africa, Europe, and the Americas, strengthening Addis Ababa’s position as a leading aviation hub. Vietnamese authorities have welcomed the new service, recognizing its potential to boost tourism and create new business opportunities for Vietnamese companies looking to enter African markets.
Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion into Hanoi aligns with its broader strategy to increase its international network to 140 destinations by 2026. The airline’s focus on building direct routes between Africa and key global markets highlights its ambition to remain Africa’s most connected carrier. The new route is expected to facilitate smoother travel experiences and open up new trade and investment opportunities between Vietnam and African nations.