Industry observers have noted that Ethiopian Airlines is preparing to enhance its European network by introducing a new connection to Porto, Portugal, through an extended routing of its existing Addis Ababa–Madrid service. The airline reportedly announced this development last week, confirming that the new service is set to begin on July 2, 2025.

According to airline officials, this expansion is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Southern Europe while providing passengers with increased connectivity options between Africa and Portugal. The decision is expected to bring greater accessibility to Portuguese travelers while reinforcing Addis Ababa’s role as a major aviation hub.

Route Details and Aircraft Deployment

Industry reports indicate that Ethiopian Airlines plans to operate this route using the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, a modern aircraft known for its fuel efficiency and enhanced passenger comfort. The service is expected to run four times per week, ensuring consistent availability for both business and leisure travelers.

Aviation analysts have provided the effective flight schedule as follows:

• ET740 will depart from Addis Ababa at 23:10, arriving in Madrid at 05:55 the following day. After a short layover, the flight will continue to Porto at 06:55, landing at 07:15 on the same day. This schedule will operate on all days except Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
• ET741 will depart from Porto at 19:55, reaching Madrid at 21:10 before proceeding to Addis Ababa at 23:10. The flight will land in Addis Ababa at 07:25 the next morning. This return service will operate on all days except Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Until June 30, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines is expected to continue operating its existing Addis Ababa–Marseille–Madrid routing, before shifting to the new Porto extension in early July.

Impact on the Global Travel Industry

Industry experts believe that Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to introduce Porto into its network will strengthen air links between Africa and Portugal, fostering increased tourism, trade, and business exchanges.

Several significant implications for the travel industry have been identified:

• Enhanced Access to Portugal – Ethiopian Airlines will become one of the few African carriers offering direct connectivity to Porto, expanding options for travelers from East and Central Africa.
• Stronger Africa-Europe Trade Relations – Business travelers and cargo operators will benefit from improved air access between Ethiopia and Portugal, facilitating smoother economic interactions.
• Competitive European Expansion – The introduction of Porto strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ footprint in Southern Europe, allowing the airline to compete more effectively with European carriers serving similar routes.

By choosing Porto as a new destination, Ethiopian Airlines is also tapping into Portugal’s growing tourism market, which has seen increasing numbers of international visitors in recent years. This route could serve both leisure and business travelers, offering a more direct alternative to existing one-stop options through Lisbon or other European hubs.

How This Affects Travelers Globally

For passengers traveling between Africa and Portugal, this new service is expected to provide greater efficiency and convenience. With fewer layovers and more direct access, travelers could experience shorter total travel times and more streamlined itineraries.

Key benefits for passengers include:

• More Travel Choices – With four weekly flights, travelers have flexible scheduling options when planning trips between Ethiopia, Spain, and Portugal.
• Enhanced Comfort – The use of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner ensures passengers experience a modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, equipped with improved cabin features.
• Increased Business Connectivity – The new route will likely stimulate business travel, making it easier for Portuguese and African professionals to establish connections across various industries.

This development also aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ broader expansion goals, reinforcing Addis Ababa’s role as a key transit hub for African travelers heading to Europe.

Looking Ahead: Ethiopian Airlines’ European Growth Strategy

Aviation analysts have speculated that this move could be part of Ethiopian Airlines’ larger European expansion plan, aimed at strengthening the airline’s position in the competitive long-haul market.

If this route proves successful, it could pave the way for additional European destinations, with the airline potentially exploring new cities beyond Madrid and Porto. Industry insiders have suggested that Ethiopian Airlines may continue evaluating market demand to determine whether further expansions in Portugal or Spain are viable.

Additionally, this route enhancement is expected to solidify Ethiopian Airlines’ reputation as Africa’s leading carrier, showcasing its ability to expand into new international markets while maintaining strong operational efficiency.

As the airline prepares to launch the Porto extension in July 2025, travel industry professionals and passengers alike will be watching closely to assess its impact on Africa-Europe connectivity and the broader aviation landscape.

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