Ethiopian Airlines Launches Flights from Hyderabad as Its Fifth Indian Gateway, Expanding India–Africa Connectivity

Hyderabad, June 21 2025

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most award-winning carrier, has expanded its footprint in India with the launch of Hyderabad as its fifth Indian gateway, in addition to its existing operations from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. The inaugural flight from Hyderabad took off on 17th June 2025, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s strategic growth in South Asia.

Announcing the launch, Sandeep Meena, Sales Manager – India, stated, "We are proud to launch our fifth gateway in India, further strengthening the air bridge between India and Africa, and connecting Hyderabad to our vast global network of over 140 destinations across five continents."

This expansion reinforces Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term commitment to the Indian market and its mission to provide seamless connectivity between India, Africa, and the rest of the world. With Hyderabad’s inclusion, the airline aims to further foster trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties, creating new opportunities for collaboration between the two regions.

In a social media post announcing the Hyderabad launch, Sandeep Meena extended heartfelt appreciation to the travel trade community “A heartfelt thank you to all our trade partners, travel agents, and supporters who joined us and continue to believe in our shared journey. Your support fuels our wings.”. He added “We’re all set to take off from the City of Pearls – Hyderabad – to the heart of Africa, Addis Ababa, and beyond.”

Crew for the inaugural flight from Hyderabad to Addis Ababa Heading to the airport

Last week, in a significant show of partnership and collaboration, the Ethiopian Airlines India team, along with the leadership of STIC Travel Group Dr. Subhash Goyal (Chairman) and Isha Goyal (Executive Director & CEO) had the honour of hosting the senior leadership of Ethiopian Airlines during their visit to New Delhi for the 81st International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The delegation included Ato Mesfin Tasew – Group Chief Executive Officer; Ato Lemma Yadecha – Chief Commercial Officer; Ato Daniel Abebe – Group Vice President – Strategic Planning & Alliances

 STIC Travel Group Dr. Subhash Goyal (Chairman) and Isha Goyal (Executive Director & CEO) with senior leadership of Ethiopian Airlines

Reflecting on the visit, Sandeep Meena expressed his admiration, “We are truly fortunate to have such humble and visionary leaders. Their presence continues to inspire and strengthen our mission in India and beyond.”

Ethiopian Airlines: A Technology Leader in African Aviation

Celebrated as a pioneer in African aviation, Ethiopian Airlines has consistently been at the forefront of innovation, becoming the first airline on the continent to operate several new-generation aircraft including:

• Boeing 767, 777-200LR, 787 Dreamliner, and 787-9

• Airbus A350-900 XWB and A350-1000

The airline currently operates a modern fleet of over 150 aircraft, with an average age of less than 7 years, and has more than 100 next-generation aircraft on order. This scale and commitment to innovation firmly position Ethiopian Airlines as Africa’s leading global aviation brand.

With Hyderabad now connected to one of the strongest African networks, Ethiopian Airlines continues to bridge continents, cultures, and communities one flight at a time.