Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has launched its second frequency to Abuja, marking a major milestone in the airline’s long-standing relationship with Nigeria. The inaugural ceremony, held on Monday, October 28, 2025, brought together dignitaries, partners, and aviation stakeholders to celebrate what the airline described as a deeper partnership between two great African nations.
The event was attended by Ambassador Legesse, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria; Dr. Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development; Capt. Solomon Mekonnen; Adedayo Benjamin-Laniyan, the FCT Mandate Secretary for Women and Children; Firiehewot Mekonnen, Area Manager, Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria; Tsedey Amhatsion, Traffic Sales Manager, Abuja; and several other guests.
The Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines, Nigeria, Mrs. Firiehewot Mekonnen, described the new service as historic, noting that it reflects the airline’s growth, progress, and enduring partnership with Nigeria. “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this remarkable occasion, the launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ second frequency to Abuja.
Today, we are not only adding another flight; we are celebrating a stronger connection and a shared journey between Ethiopia and Nigeria,” she said.
Mekonnen recalled that Ethiopian Airlines was one of the first international carriers to fly to Nigeria in 1960, shortly after the country’s independence, and has since expanded its operations to Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Kano. “Our partnership with Nigeria has always been symbiotic, built on mutual respect, shared vision, and trust. We love Nigeria, and Nigerians have always loved Ethiopian Airlines,” Mekonnen added.
The new evening flight, ET 957, will depart Abuja at 10:00 p.m. and arrive in Addis Ababa at 5:00 a.m., complementing the existing midday service. The schedule is designed to provide passengers with faster and more convenient connections to major destinations across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, including Dubai, Tel Aviv, São Paulo, Johannesburg, and Nairobi.
With this addition, Ethiopian Airlines now operates 34 weekly flights to and from Nigeria, 14 from Lagos, 10 from Abuja, 3 from Enugu, and 7 from Kano, making it the largest international carrier operating in the country.
According to Mekonnen, the airline’s expansion reflects its confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and its growing role as a regional business and tourism hub.
“Abuja is rapidly transforming into a global centre for meetings, incentives, C
Conferences, and exhibitions. With this new frequency, we aim to make Abuja a preferred gateway for global business, tourism, and diplomacy,”she said.
Mekonnen expressed appreciation to the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, stakeholders, travel partners, and customers for their continued support.
“Our continued growth in Nigeria reflects not only our commercial success but also our unwavering belief in the Nigerian market, its people, and its future,” she also said.
The Area Manager concluded by reaffirming Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to strengthening the partnership between Ethiopia and Nigeria and continuing its mission of connecting Africa to the world through excellence in aviation.
