Ethiopian Airlines Expands European Network with New Flights to Porto, Portugal
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Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, has announced the launch of a new passenger service to Porto, Portugal (OPO), further strengthening its European route network. The new service, set to commence on July 2, 2025, will operate three times per week and is designed to offer greater connectivity between Africa and Southern Europe.
Route Details and Flight Schedule
The new Addis Ababa (ADD) – Porto (OPO) route will be operated with a single stop in Madrid, Spain (MAD), allowing passengers a seamless transfer option to Portugal’s second-largest city.
The planned flight schedule is as follows:
- Flight ET 718: Departs Addis Ababa (ADD) at 23:55, arriving in Madrid (MAD) at 07:05 the following day.
- After a brief layover, the flight continues from Madrid (MAD) at 08:10, arriving in Porto (OPO) at 09:10.
- Return flight ET 719: Departs Porto (OPO) at 21:10, reaching Madrid (MAD) at 22:10.
- The flight departs Madrid (MAD) at 23:10, arriving in Addis Ababa (ADD) at 07:20 the next day.
Ethiopian Airlines will utilize its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for this route, offering a mix of Business Class and Economy seating with modern in-flight amenities.
Strategic Importance of the New Route
Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its global footprint, and Porto marks its 21st destination in Europe. This addition reflects the growing demand for business and leisure travel between Africa and Portugal, which has a significant Portuguese-speaking community across Africa, particularly in Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde.
This route is expected to benefit:
- Business travelers looking for more direct connections between Africa and Portugal.
- Tourists exploring Porto’s historic and cultural attractions.
- The African diaspora in Portugal and surrounding regions, offering greater accessibility for visiting friends and family.
Competitive Market and Expansion Strategy
With the new Porto route, Ethiopian Airlines strengthens its competitive edge in the European market, challenging established carriers such as TAP Air Portugal, which currently operates direct flights between Lisbon and various African destinations.
The airline has been steadily growing its network to key European cities, including London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Madrid, offering increased connection options for travelers from Africa to Europe and beyond.
Passenger Experience and Fleet Advantages
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner selected for this route is known for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and reduced environmental impact. Key features include:
- Larger windows and improved cabin pressurization to minimize jet lag.
- Two-class seating with lie-flat seats in Business Class.
- In-flight entertainment and enhanced meal service tailored for long-haul travelers.
Bottom Line
Ethiopian Airlines’ launch of direct Addis Ababa to Porto flights marks an important step in its European expansion, bridging Africa and Portugal with a modern, fuel-efficient fleet and strategic stop in Madrid.
With its growing international connectivity and commitment to providing premium service, Ethiopian Airlines is well-positioned to cater to the increasing demand for business, tourism, and diaspora travel between Africa and Southern Europe. As the airline continues to expand, Porto is set to become a key gateway for Ethiopian passengers traveling across the region.
