Etihad to add 6 new routes to Africa

Etihad Airways is expanding its Africa network with the launch of six new destinations across the continent. 

 

The UAE national carrier will add new routes from Abu Dhabi to Accra in Ghana, Asmara in Eritrea, Harare in Zimbabwe, Lagos in Nigeria and Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo). 

 

Flights from Abu Dhabi to Asmara International Airport (ASM) in Eritrea will launch first, on 7 November 2026, operating four times a week.

 

Flights to the remaining cities will launch from March 2027. Services to Kotoka International Airport (ACC) in Accra will commence on 17 March, with four flights per week.

 

On 18 March, Etihad will launch daily services to Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) in Lagos, alongside thrice-weekly flights to N’djili International Airport (FIH) in Kinshasa.

 

The expansion continues on 24 March with thrice-weekly services to Harare International Airport (HRE) in Zimbabwe, alongside Lubumbashi Airport (FBM) in DR Congo. 

 

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The expansion will strengthen connectivity between African markets and Abu Dhabi, enabling one-stop connections to China, India, Asia and the Middle East. 

 

The move comes amid growing economic ties between the UAE and Africa, with rising trade, investment and commercial activity across energy, infrastructure and mining.

 

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, said: "Africa is a natural and compelling next step in Etihad’s network expansion. These are markets with strong underlying demand, driven by trade, investment and population growth.” 

 

The announcement follows Etihad’s recent expansion in China, where the airline launched five new routes and increased frequencies across its mainland network. Etihad will begin services to Shanghai Pudong in October 2026, followed by Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou and Shenzhen in March 2027. 

 

Other recent route expansions include seasonal flights to Dhaka, Bangladesh, running from 26 June to 24 October 2026. 

 

For more information, visit etihad.com