Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, is embarking on an exciting new chapter in its growth journey with a strategic focus on Africa. The airline, which has already made its mark in various global regions, has ambitious plans to significantly expand its network across the African continent by 2025. This move is set to not only strengthen Etihad’s foothold in one of the world’s most dynamic aviation markets but also help bridge the gap between Africa and the rest of the globe.
As of December 2024, Etihad Airways operates flights to four major destinations in Africa, maintaining a schedule of 39 weekly flights to the following cities:
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Cairo, Egypt
- Mahe, Seychelles
- Casablanca, Morocco
These destinations have been integral to the airline’s presence in Africa, but the next phase of expansion will see these offerings multiply. Etihad has recognized the growing demand for travel to and within Africa, making it a prime focus for growth.
In 2025, Etihad Airways plans to double the number of destinations in Africa, pushing its total to eight by the end of the year. This ambitious expansion will include several new routes and increased frequencies on existing routes, reflecting the airline’s desire to enhance connectivity within Africa and beyond.
The new routes include:
- Nairobi, Kenya (restarting service in December 2024)
- Tunis, Tunisia
- Algiers, Algeria
- Al Alamein, Egypt
This expansion will not only increase the airline’s presence but will also make travel options more convenient for passengers, with more frequent flights on some of the key routes. For instance, Etihad is set to increase services to Johannesburg and Casablanca, transitioning these routes to daily flights starting next summer.
Recognizing the importance of local knowledge and regional expertise, Etihad Airways is also deepening its partnerships with several African carriers. The airline has entered into codeshare and interline agreements with:
- Airlink South Africa: Expanding Etihad’s African network and providing more flight options.
- Air Seychelles: Enhancing connectivity across the Indian Ocean and surrounding regions.
- Royal Air Maroc: A newly established MoU to boost cooperation between the two carriers.
- EgyptAir: Extending reach and service flexibility through a strategic codeshare partnership.
- South African Airways (SAA): A longstanding codeshare arrangement, which opens up access to 10 new African cities.
These collaborations are pivotal in Etihad’s strategy, allowing it to leverage the local strengths and networks of African carriers while ensuring a seamless experience for passengers traveling across multiple destinations.
Africa’s aviation market is on an upward trajectory, with airline capacity in three of the continent’s four regional markets exceeding 2019 levels. This growth is fueled by the continent’s expanding middle class, increased business activity, and a rising demand for leisure travel. As these markets continue to evolve, Etihad Airways is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing air travel demand.
The airline’s expansion in Africa is in line with a broader trend of Middle Eastern carriers strengthening their presence in emerging markets, particularly as regional travel increases and the continent’s economies continue to diversify.
While Africa presents a wealth of opportunities for Etihad Airways, it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most notable hurdles is the increasing competition from low-cost carriers (LCCs) across the continent. While LCCs offer affordable options for travelers, Etihad aims to differentiate itself with its premium services and connectivity.
Moreover, some African countries still face infrastructural and regulatory challenges, which can complicate operational planning. However, Etihad’s strategy of building robust partnerships with local airlines, coupled with its focus on key growth markets, will help the airline navigate these complexities and maximize the opportunities available.
Etihad Airways’ plans to double its African destinations by 2025 represent a bold and promising move toward becoming a more integral part of the African aviation landscape. Through strategic partnerships, expanded routes, and increased frequencies, the airline is set to enhance its connectivity to Africa, offering passengers more options to travel across the continent and beyond.
In addition to boosting its global network, this expansion will contribute to economic development within Africa by fostering better connections and opening up new business and tourism opportunities. As Africa’s aviation market continues to grow and mature, Etihad’s investment in the region signals a strong commitment to supporting the continent’s progress, facilitating cultural exchange, and connecting Africa to the world in new and exciting ways.
