Ethiopian Airlines cargo volumes hit 897,000 tonne

Ethiopian Airlines handled 897,000 tonnes of cargo in the 2025/26 financial year, up 16% from the previous year, as it expands its African network and strengthens connections with global trade markets, including the Middle East, a key hub for air freight and logistics.

The airline will introduce services to Nacala in Mozambique and Port Harcourt in Nigeria, and resume daily flights to Durban, South Africa, between October and December 2026.

The new routes will connect through the airline’s Addis Ababa hub, giving businesses more links to African markets. However, the airline has not confirmed whether the new services will provide additional cargo capacity.

Nacala flights will operate three times a week from 27 October, while Port Harcourt will receive four weekly services from 1 December. Daily flights to Durban will resume on 11 December.

The expansion comes as trade between Southeast Asia and Africa grows, with Singapore serving as a major trade and logistics hub. Ethiopian Airlines operates five weekly flights between Singapore and Addis Ababa.

The airline’s cargo growth came alongside a 20% rise in total revenue to US$9.1 billion in the 2025/26 financial year. Its growing cargo volumes highlight the role of air freight in connecting businesses and international supply chains.