TravTalk India Online Magazine
Ethiopian Airlines has expanded its operations, including new flights to Hyderabad, and is actively pursuing collaborations to enhance its network and services. The airline is exploring new technologies and innovative solutions. Bethelhem Dibaba, Regional Director – India Subcontinent, Ethiopian Airlines speaks exclusively to Travtalk and shares details.
Hazel Jain
India is a significant market for Ethiopian, says Bethelhem Dibaba, the new Regional Director – India Subcontinent, Ethiopian Airlines. “Our presence in India has only been growing. Based on demand, we have been adding new flights, and effective 16 June 2025, Hyderabad has also joined our passenger service as our fifth gateway city in India. Travellers can now choose between Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad when visiting India. We have also finalised all preparations to start passenger flights to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Porto and Hanoi besides Hyderabad in India.”
A robust distribution network is crucial for airlines, especially in a diverse market like India. “It ensures efficient reach to customers and facilitates revenue generation. Ethiopian Airlines has strategically developed its distribution network by focusing on partnerships, digital channels, and expanding its reach through codeshare agreements, among other initiatives,” Dibaba says.
Ethiopian currently owns 163 aircraft and has an additional over 100 aircraft on order.
Ethiopian Airlines has had various developments in recent months. “We have signed an agreement with Archer Aviation to deploy Midnight aircraft under the ‘Launch Edition’ programme, with plans to build an air taxi network in the region over time. Enhancing our charter service, we acquired a Boeing 737-800 aircraft dedicated exclusively to VIP and smaller group charter flights. We have also signed various partnership agreements with industry leaders in technology to equip our, currently on order, Boeing 777X aircraft, the first of its kind in Africa with the latest technology products,” Dibaba adds.
Vision for India market
Ethiopian Airlines aims to be among the top 20 global airlines by 2035 and sees India as a strategic market for growth. “We plan to increase frequency and expand our network in India, targeting both business and leisure travellers. To tap into emerging trends, we are focusing on digital platforms, personalised services, and partnerships with Indian travel agencies.”
