Ethiopian Airlines Expands Saudi Arabia Reach with New Jizan Route for African Travelers

Published on December 12, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines is set to expand its Middle East network with the introduction of a new route to Jizan, Saudi Arabia, in early 2026. The addition of Jizan will bring the total number of destinations Ethiopian Airlines serves in Saudi Arabia to five, enhancing the airline’s connectivity between East Africa and the Gulf region. This move aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ strategy to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and support the growing demand for air travel, trade, and tourism between Africa and Saudi Arabia.

With the new Jizan route, Ethiopian Airlines will build on its already significant operations in Saudi Arabia, where it currently operates more than forty weekly passenger and cargo flights. The airline’s expanded network will now include key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Madinah, and soon Jizan, ensuring that passengers traveling between Africa and the Gulf can enjoy increased frequency and more seamless connections.

Supporting Tourism, Trade, and Religious Travel

Ethiopian Airlines’ strategic expansion into Jizan is expected to serve multiple purposes, including enhancing the airline’s role in promoting religious tourism, trade, and leisure travel between Africa and the Gulf. The airline’s strong presence in Saudi Arabia has made it a critical player for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims traveling to the Kingdom, and the new Jizan route is poised to further support this sector by offering more direct flights for pilgrims traveling to the Holy City of Mecca.

The launch of the Jizan route also supports the growing demand for business and leisure travel between Africa and Saudi Arabia. With Jizan being an emerging economic and tourism hub in Saudi Arabia, Ethiopian Airlines will provide better access to this dynamic region, facilitating easier travel for tourists, business travelers, and investors alike. The airline’s expanded network will help foster stronger economic ties, enhance tourism exchanges, and open up new opportunities for travel and trade across both regions.

Enhanced Connectivity for African Tourists and Trade

For African tourism professionals, the introduction of the Jizan route opens new opportunities to promote Saudi Arabia as a destination for African travelers. With Ethiopian Airlines serving key cities in Saudi Arabia, including Jizan, the airline is positioning itself as a preferred carrier for travelers seeking easy access to the Kingdom for tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges. This is especially significant for African diaspora communities looking to connect with relatives in Saudi Arabia or travel for business and leisure purposes.

The airline’s expansion into Jizan strengthens its existing network in the region, offering more options for African travelers looking to visit Saudi Arabia. The ease of connections will also benefit tour operators, destination management companies (DMCs), and corporate travel managers who can now design more efficient travel packages that include flights to and from Jizan, as well as seamless connections to other cities across Saudi Arabia and Africa.

In addition, Ethiopian Airlines’ presence in Jizan enhances its ability to cater to growing trade between Africa and Saudi Arabia. The airline’s cargo services, which are a vital part of its operations, will benefit from increased access to Jizan’s growing business environment. This will support trade missions, commercial ventures, and economic cooperation between the two regions, boosting the flow of goods and services between East Africa and the Middle East.

Increased Opportunities for African Tourists

Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion into Jizan further positions the airline as a leading partner in supporting African tourism and promoting regional travel. By adding Jizan to its list of destinations, Ethiopian Airlines ensures that African tourists have better access to both Saudi Arabia’s heritage sites and the Gulf’s modern tourist attractions. The airline’s competitive service offerings, along with its reputation for reliability, will make it easier for African travelers to access Saudi Arabia’s unique blend of cultural, historical, and leisure experiences.

For tourism professionals in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines’ expanded route network opens new possibilities for creating and marketing tailored travel packages. With enhanced connectivity between major African cities and Saudi Arabia, Ethiopian Airlines offers an excellent gateway for African travelers seeking to explore the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Additionally, the airline’s expanded service strengthens Africa’s overall connectivity with the Gulf, creating new opportunities for cross-continental tourism collaboration.

The Future of Ethiopian Airlines’ Middle East Expansion

The Jizan route is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ broader strategy to continue expanding its reach within the Middle East and Saudi Arabia, responding to the increasing demand for travel between the two regions. Ethiopian Airlines has been consistently increasing its operations in the Middle East, and this latest route expansion solidifies the airline’s role as a key player in connecting Africa with the Gulf. Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to providing reliable service, increasing route frequency, and improving passenger convenience makes it an important partner for travelers and tourism professionals alike.

As Ethiopian Airlines continues to invest in its fleet and network expansion, the introduction of the Jizan route underscores its dedication to remaining at the forefront of African aviation. The airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting religious tourism, and promoting trade and leisure travel will help establish stronger ties between East Africa and Saudi Arabia, benefiting both travelers and the broader tourism industry.

Conclusion: Enhancing Connectivity Between Africa and Saudi Arabia

The launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ new Jizan route in early 2026 marks a significant step in enhancing travel connections between Africa and the Gulf region. By expanding its Saudi network to include Jizan, Ethiopian Airlines is strengthening its position as a vital bridge for African travelers seeking to explore Saudi Arabia’s tourism, investment, and business opportunities. This strategic expansion aligns with the airline’s ongoing mission to provide reliable and efficient travel options for passengers moving between these two rapidly developing regions, reinforcing Ethiopian Airlines’ leadership in connecting Africa with the rest of the world.