The airline is adding another European destination to its route map.
An Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 787-9 prepares to land in Brussels. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Fabian Behr)
Ethiopian Airlines is set to introduce the first-ever regular connection between Warsaw Chopin Airport and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The eagerly awaited route, scheduled to launch in July this year, signifies a significant stride in enhancing air connectivity between Poland and Africa.
The confirmed plans, verified by Przedsiębiorstwo Państwowe Porty Lotnicze (PPL) press office, the state-owned company that operates the key elements of Poland’s airport infrastructure, highlight the use of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, capable of accommodating 270 passengers per flight. The specific flight frequency is yet to be disclosed, but PPL assures that details will soon be available in the airline’s reservation system.
The collaboration between Ethiopian Airlines and Warsaw Chopin Airport makes the Star Alliance carrier the first scheduled carrier from Africa at the Polish airport. Stanisław Wojtera, President of Polish Airports and Member of the Board of ACI Europe, emphasizes the significance of the connection, providing an excellent opportunity for passengers in Warsaw to explore Africa. Anticipating not only a surge in point-to-point travel but also a substantial impact on transfer passengers and cargo transport, Wojtera envisions this connection as a catalyst for further global reach.
“I am glad that after months of talks between PPL’s management and representatives of the Ethiopian line, we can share great news with you. This summer, for the first time in history, regular flights to Ethiopia will start from Warsaw. Addis Ababa is one of the destinations designated for Chopin Airport as a strategic,” Wojtera notes.
Previous reports speculating on Ethiopian Airlines’ interest in establishing a link with Warsaw have now been substantiated. The airline has secured 135 slots for flights to Addis Ababa, accompanied by the intriguing addition of 1 slot for flights to Athens.
The Ethiopian carrier’s expansion aligns with its ambitious target of securing a spot among the top twenty airlines globally by 2035. The selection of Warsaw as a hub, courtesy of its partnership with another Star Alliance airline, LOT Polish Airlines, positions Ethiopian Airlines strategically, opening avenues to explore new European destinations.
In addition to Warsaw, the airline is eyeing Amsterdam, Dublin, Lisbon, and the potential for nonstop flights to Manchester, bypassing Geneva. The rationale behind choosing these European cities is deeply rooted in strategic partnerships and proven market potential. Warsaw and Amsterdam, in particular, stand out due to the hub status of Chopin Airport and Schiphol Airport, respectively, serving as crucial gateways.
Receive a daily dose of the airline industry's top stories along with market insights right in your inbox.
Low-cost Dominican airline Arajet announced Friday that it plans to begin offering flights to the U.S. in the second quarter…
After a long awarding process, selected airlines are now able to schedule their new, highly coveted long-distance flights from Washington’s…
Since its 2021 launch, Breeze has expanded rapidly. Now, with over 40 aircraft in its fleet and around 60 destinations,…
