Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to open two new international routes in 2026, reinforcing its long-term network, fleet, and infrastructure expansion strategy as Africa’s largest carrier.

In an exclusive interview with Pulse of Africa, Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said the airline continues to grow its global footprint, with four new international destinations planned under the current expansion cycle—three of which are already operational. The fourth route, to Lyon, France, is expected to commence in 2026, subject to final market assessments.

In addition, Ethiopian Airlines plans to launch a new route to Saudi Arabia in February 2026. Once operational, the service will become the airline’s fifth destination in the Kingdom, further strengthening connectivity between Africa and the Middle East.

Beyond network growth, Mesfin Tasew highlighted that customer experience remains central to Ethiopian Airlines’ competitiveness.

As part of this focus, the airline has inaugurated a new premium lounge, designed to offer enhanced comfort and modern amenities for passengers, particularly as travel demand continues to rise.

The planned route launches and service upgrades are supported by a long-term fleet expansion strategy.

Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet of more than 167 aircraft and has approximately 124 aircraft on order from Boeing and Airbus, including firm orders and purchase rights.

These future deliveries will support new routes, increased frequencies, and continued service improvements.

The airline is also investing heavily in infrastructure, including the development of the new Bishoftu International Airport, a project expected to significantly enhance capacity and operational efficiency as Ethiopian Airlines positions itself for sustained growth in an increasingly competitive global aviation market.