Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading carrier, has announced significant changes to its Lomé–New York service, including an expansion in flight frequency starting April 2025.
The move is part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen transatlantic connectivity and meet rising passenger demand between West Africa and North America. According to Travel & Tour World,
Ethiopian Airlines will reintroduce its Addis Ababa – Lome – Newark route, beginning on April 15, 2025. This new development will replace the airline’s previous service to New York’s JFK airport, as the airline shifts its focus to Newark Liberty International Airport for its transatlantic flights.
The service will initially operate three times a week, with plans to increase the frequency to four weekly flights starting on May 4, 2025. This update means that travelers flying between West Africa and the United States will have more consistent access to Newark, one of the busiest international gateways in the U.S.
Flight Schedule for the Revised Service
ET514: Addis Ababa (ADD) departs at 08:45 AM, arriving in Lome (LFW) at 11:15 AM, and then continues to Newark (EWR), arriving at 7:45 PM. The service will be operated by the Boeing 787-9 aircraft with a 245-passenger capacity.
ET515: From Newark (EWR), the flight departs at 9:45 PM, arriving in Lome (LFW) at 11:50 AM the following day, and then continuing on to Addis Ababa (ADD), where it arrives at 9:25 PM the following day. This service will also be operated by the Boeing 787-9.
These adjustments are part of Ethiopian Airlines’ ongoing efforts to improve efficiency and optimize its network. While the Lome – New York JFK service is being suspended temporarily, passengers will continue to benefit from direct services to Newark, a strategic hub for transatlantic flights.
Impact of Service Adjustments on Travelers
For travelers, these changes bring both opportunities and challenges. One of the primary impacts of the move from JFK to Newark will be logistical. Many passengers accustomed to traveling into JFK will need to adjust their travel plans to Newark Liberty International, which, despite being a major hub, is situated further from Manhattan. However, for those based in or traveling to regions more easily accessible from Newark, the change offers increased convenience and connectivity. Newark Liberty is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it an appealing alternative for travelers who prioritize ease of transfer.
Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines’ increase in flight frequency from three to four times weekly starting in May 2025 will provide passengers with more flexibility when booking their travel, particularly those with tight schedules or time-sensitive travel needs.
Temporary Suspension and Reinstatement of Service
Ethiopian Airlines has also outlined temporary changes to its broader service network. The Addis Ababa – Newark route, which operates westbound via Rome, will be suspended during two periods in 2025:
From April 15 to June 15, 2025.
From September 5 to September 22, 2025.
During these periods, travelers looking to fly from Addis Ababa to Newark will have to adjust their schedules accordingly. The suspension of service between Lome and New York is also expected to last from March 29 to April 14, 2025, providing passengers with limited service during this short window.
Increased Competition on the Route
Ethiopian Airlines’ service changes come at a time when air travel demand between Africa and the United States is rising, driven by increasing business, tourism, and cultural exchanges. The adjustment of routes, particularly the shift from JFK to Newark, also signals the potential for increased competition among airlines operating between Africa and the U.S. major hubs. Several other carriers have started strengthening their networks on similar routes, and the adjustments by Ethiopian Airlines could further fuel the rivalry for the transatlantic African market. This could lead to competitive pricing and more choices for travelers seeking to fly between the U.S. and the African continent.
The Role of Newark as a Key Hub
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), a major international gateway on the U.S. East Coast, will continue to play an important role in Ethiopian Airlines’ strategy. The airline’s move to Newark over JFK could be seen as a tactical move to tap into a different, but still highly significant, part of the market. For Newark, Ethiopian Airlines’ service will add to the growing number of international routes serving the airport, including those to destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The airport’s robust connections to public transportation and its proximity to key business and tourist destinations in the Tri-State area make it an attractive option for both leisure and business travelers alike. For airlines like Ethiopian Airlines, leveraging Newark’s infrastructure and proximity to the New York metropolitan area ensures their continued access to one of the most important travel markets in the world.
Economic Impact of Flight Frequency Increase
Increasing the frequency of flights to Newark is a move that will likely benefit Ethiopian Airlines from a commercial standpoint. By offering passengers more flexibility, the airline increases its chances of filling seats and optimizing its fleet. This strategy helps Ethiopian Airlines better meet the growing demand for direct flights from Africa to the U.S., especially for travelers in the African diaspora who rely on reliable and frequent connections to the United States. Furthermore, the increased frequency of flights provides more opportunities for cargo transport, a significant part of the airline’s business. Ethiopian Airlines has long been recognized as a leader in African air cargo transport, and more frequent flights between Lome, Newark, and Addis Ababa will boost its cargo revenue, supporting the airline’s overall financial health.
The Impact on the Travel Industry
These changes could serve as a broader signal of the evolving dynamics in the aviation and tourism industries. As global demand for air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, airlines are adjusting their routes and services to meet new customer needs and preferences. The shift from JFK to Newark could have implications not only for passengers but also for local businesses and tourism industries in the U.S. New Yorkers who typically rely on JFK for international flights will need to reconsider their airport choices, which could influence transportation services and tourism in and around Manhattan. The shift in passengers may also result in increased competition among local airports for air traffic, further reshaping the U.S. East Coast travel market.
Future Outlook: What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead, Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to modify and expand its services is indicative of a broader trend in the aviation industry, where flexibility, convenience, and competitive pricing are key factors in attracting travelers. As other airlines introduce similar service adjustments and offer new flight routes, the competitive landscape for transatlantic and African routes is set to evolve. Passengers can expect more flight options, improved services, and increasingly flexible travel options, but they may also need to adapt to new travel logistics. For now, Ethiopian Airlines is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for flights between the U.S. and Africa, offering more choice for travelers on these high-demand routes.
