Ethiopian expands freighter routes, fortifies Middle East ops

Ethiopian Airlines is ramping up its cargo operations in the Middle East, with a strong presence across three UAE airports — Dubai, Sharjah, and Al Maktoum International, said Yamrot Nigussie, Regional Manager (Cargo), Gulf Region. Sharjah has emerged as a key hub, linking the UAE to African destinations, including Nigeria, Chad, Somalia, and Kenya. Operating over eight weekly freighters from Sharjah alone, the airline offers point-to-point services that reduce transit times and enhance reliability for customers. Nigeria is served four times weekly, providing 45-tonne capacity per flight. For 2024–2025, Ethiopian Airlines expanded its freighter network by five destinations, including two sectors to Western Europe, two to China, and one to Latin America.