Ethiopian Airlines Adjusts Athens–Addis Ababa Route to Four Weekly Flights, Enhancing the Africa-Europe Connectivity for Tourism and Business

Published on October 2, 2025

From October 27, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines will have four weekly nonstop flights between Addis Ababa (ADD) and Athens (ATH) instead of six. The flight will now be available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with ET 765 flying from Athens at 14:35 and arriving at Addis Ababa at 20:50, and ET 764 flying from Addis Ababa at 08:55, landing in Athens at 13:35.

The change is aimed at maximizing flight capacity, minimizing operational overlap, and more closely aligning passenger demand, especially for tourists and business travelers connecting on to Ethiopian Airlines’ international network.

New Midday Schedule Supports Seamless Travel Connections

The midday departure from Athens allows passengers to connect more effectively to Ethiopia’s hub in Addis Ababa for onward flights to East Africa, South Asia, and beyond. Return flights in the morning from Addis Ababa allow for smoother connections to European destinations. This schedule prioritizes passenger convenience, giving travelers flexible options and reducing long layovers for both tourists exploring East Africa and business travelers heading to key regional markets.

Athens–Addis Ababa: A Strategic Gateway for Tourism

The Athens–Addis Ababa route is a crucial gateway for tourism, linking Greek travelers to the diverse attractions of East Africa, including wildlife safaris, cultural heritage sites, and historical landmarks. This connection also provides international tourists access to Ethiopia’s broader network, facilitating travel to destinations across Africa and South Asia.

By maintaining direct service, Ethiopian Airlines supports regional tourism growth, encouraging tourists from Europe to explore Africa’s natural and cultural attractions, further promoting Ethiopian tourism as a global destination.

Impact on Business Travel and Regional Connectivity

The Athens–Addis Ababa route also serves business travelers, offering direct access to Ethiopia’s economic hubs and neighboring East African markets. Addis Ababa functions as a regional aviation hub, providing seamless connections for companies and professionals traveling to Nairobi, Djibouti, Khartoum, and other key cities. The revised schedule is intended to enhance the efficiency of travel for business tourism, providing predictable timings and better alignment with international conferences, trade events, and corporate meetings.

Supporting Tourism Season 2026 and Flexible Adjustments

Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed that the flight schedule will be reviewed at the start of the 2026 tourism season. This evaluation will consider passenger demand, seasonal tourism trends, and market conditions, allowing the airline to adjust the frequency or timing of flights to ensure maximum efficiency and customer satisfaction. This forward-looking approach ensures that tourism flows remain steady and that travelers can continue to benefit from reliable connections between Europe and Africa.

Contribution to Tourism Growth in Greece and East Africa

The adjustment of this route is expected to boost tourism for both Greece and Ethiopia. Greek travelers now have easier access to East African destinations such as Addis Ababa, Lalibela, Bahir Dar, and the Omo Valley, while tourists from other European countries can connect via Athens. The route also encourages multi-destination travel, allowing tourists to combine a visit to Greece with an East African safari, enhancing overall tourism revenue and supporting the hospitality sector in both regions.

Enhancing Passenger Experience through Network Integration

The revised flight timetable is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ effort to enhance passenger experience through network integration. By optimizing flight schedules and providing midday departures, travelers benefit from smoother connections, shorter layovers, and better coordination with international routes. Improved connectivity ensures that tourists and business travelers can plan efficient trips, increasing visitor satisfaction and reinforcing the airline’s reputation as a reliable link between Europe and Africa.

Strategic Role of Fleet Expansion and Network Growth

Alongside route adjustments, Ethiopian Airlines continues its fleet renewal and network expansion, strengthening its position as a key global carrier. By combining new flight routes with the integration of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the airline ensures capacity and comfort for long-haul travel. This strategy supports both tourism development and business connectivity, providing the infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth in passenger travel between Europe and Africa.

Long-Term Tourism Impact: Driving East African Visitor Numbers

The reduction and rescheduling of Athens–Addis flights will have a positive long-term impact on tourism by improving connectivity, passenger convenience, and access to East African destinations. A more optimized schedule encourages higher visitor numbers to Ethiopia, supporting hotels, tour operators, and local attractions, while also increasing travel between Greece and East Africa. Over time, this will enhance regional tourism collaboration, expand cultural exchange, and promote sustainable growth in the international travel market.

Optimized Flights to Support Tourism and Business Growth

Ethiopian Airlines updated Athens–Addis Ababa schedule strikes a strategic balance between operational efficiency and passenger convenience. With noon flights, enhanced connectivity, and schedule review in the future, the airline is making it possible for tourists and business travelers to experience uninterrupted travel between Europe and East Africa. The route remains a gateway for regional travel, facilitating tourism growth, economic cooperation, and cultural connections while affirming Ethiopian Airlines position as a top international carrier in Africa and Europe.