Etihad grows Africa routes, boosts trade links

Etihad Airways has expanded its Africa network with new routes to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ghana, Nigeria and Zimbabwe. The expansion strengthens the airline’s presence in high-value African markets and improves cargo, trade and logistics connectivity between Africa, Abu Dhabi and Asia as part of its global growth strategy.

The move reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a gateway for trade, cargo and investment flows between Africa and Asia. It also builds on Etihad’s growing China network and its extensive India network, creating a stronger corridor linking Africa and Asia through Abu Dhabi. The new services reflect investment in high-growth markets and rising demand for connectivity across trade and cargo sectors.

The expansion matches growing economic ties between the UAE and Africa in areas like energy, infrastructure, mining and logistics. It also supports Etihad’s partnership with Ethiopian Airlines, which improves links across the African continent. The airline said demand for air connectivity in Africa is growing faster than supply, especially for cargo and trade-related services.

The new routes will connect African markets directly with Abu Dhabi and offer one-stop links to China, India, Asia and the Middle East. This helps improve the movement of goods and makes trade flows more efficient through Abu Dhabi’s hub.