L-R: Ambassador Leggese the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria ,Dr.Ibrahim the permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Capt Solomon Mekonnen , Firiehewot Mekonnen The Area Manager Nigeria and Tsedey Amhatsion the Traffic Sales Manager Abuja at the 2nd Frequency to Abuja inaugural
Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched its second flight to Abuja, marking a new milestone in the airline’s operations in Nigeria and reinforcing the deep aviation and economic ties between both countries.
Speaking at the official launch ceremony, Firiehewot Mekonnen, Area Manager of Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria, described the event as “a remarkable and historic occasion,” symbolizing not just an additional flight but a celebration of partnership and connectivity between Ethiopia and Nigeria.
“Today, we are not only adding another flight; we are celebrating a deeper partnership, a stronger connection, and a shared journey between two great nations — Ethiopia and Nigeria,” Mekonnen said.
She said: “For me personally, this day holds special meaning. My professional journey with Ethiopian Airlines in Nigeria began here, in this very city, many years ago. To return now to welcome a new flight into Abuja is both nostalgic and fulfilling a reflection of growth, progress, and enduring partnership.”
L-R: Adedayo Benjamin Laniyan The FCT Mandate Secretary Women And Children , Ambassador Legesse the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria Dr. Ibrahim, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Firiehewot Mekonnen, the Area Manager Ethiopian Airlines Nigeria.
“This new service is truly historic. Sixty-five years ago, in 1960, Ethiopian Airlines proudly became one of the first international carriers to fly to Nigeria, starting operations to Lagos shortly after Nigeria’s independence. Since then, we have grown alongside this great nation expanding our network to Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, and Kano, serving millions of Nigerian passengers with pride, safety, and excellence.”
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“Today, we mark yet another milestone the start of a second frequency to Abuja, the Capital of Nigeria. This development symbolizes our continued commitment to strengthening the deep-rooted ties between Ethiopia and Nigeria and supporting Nigeria’s position as a leading aviation and economic hub in Africa”.
Our partnership with Nigeria has always been symbiotic built on mutual respect, shared vision, and trust. We love Nigeria, and Nigerians have always loved Ethiopian Airlines. Together, we have connected Nigeria to over 150 global destinations through our Addis Ababa hub, using one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world, including the Airbus A350-1000 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
“Abuja is rapidly transforming into a global centre for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). With this new frequency, we aim to make Abuja a preferred gateway for global business, tourism, and diplomacy truly positioning it as the Conference Capital of Africa.
“Starting today, 28th October 2025, Ethiopian Airlines will operate three additional weekly evening flights from Abuja, in addition to our existing daily midday flight. The new service, ET 957, will depart Abuja at 10:00 PM and arrive in Addis Ababa at 5:00 AM, providing faster and more convenient connections to key African and Asian destinations, including Dubai, Tel Aviv, São Paulo, Johannesburg, Nairobi, and beyond.”
She stated that with this development, Ethiopian Airlines now operates 34 weekly flights between Nigeria and Ethiopia, connecting:
• Lagos – twice daily (14 weekly flights)
• Abuja – 10 weekly flights (7 midday + 3 evening)
• Enugu – 3 weekly flights
• Kano – 7weekly flights
This brings our total to over 34 weekly frequencies to and from Nigeria making Ethiopian Airlines the largest international carrier operating into Nigeria today.
“Our continued growth in Nigeria reflects not only our commercial success but also our unwavering belief in the Nigerian market, its people, and its future. We remain committed to providing world-class service, supporting tourism and trade, and contributing to Nigeria’s aviation development for decades to come.”
“As we celebrate this milestone today, we express our heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Nigeria, specifically to the ministry of aviation and Aerospace development, all stake holders, our travel partners, and above all, our loyal customers who have made this journey possible.
“Together, let us continue to elevate the partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and Nigeria to even greater heights.
“Welcome once again to this historic celebration and thank you for being part of our shared success story.
“Let us continue flying together connecting Africa, connecting the world, and connecting hearts.”
