Sharjah Airport And Air Arabia Initiate Direct Flights To Addis Ababa, Strengthening UAE-Ethiopia Connectivity

Sharjah Airport has introduced direct flights to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, through Air Arabia. This expansion adds to the list of destinations accessible from Sharjah. Air Arabia will operate three weekly flights on Saturdays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays using an Airbus A320. The inaugural flight was attended by key officials, including Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, and other dignitaries.

Al Midfa highlighted the significance of this new service to Addis Ababa. "The launch of our new service to Addis Ababa and its addition to the list of direct destinations from Sharjah Airport underscores our commitment to expanding our network across African cities and capitals. This step is designed to meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo travel between the UAE and Ethiopia," he stated.

The increasing economic ties between the UAE and Ethiopia have been notable in recent years. These connections have led to growth in sectors like tourism, freight, cargo handling, exports, and re-exports. The new route aims to support these developments by providing a strategic link between the two nations.

Ambassador Aklilu Kebede Erena emphasised the broader impact of this route beyond just air travel. "This route is more than just a new air connection—it serves as a strategic bridge that strengthens ties between Ethiopia and the UAE, fosters greater cultural and commercial exchange, and facilitates smoother passenger movement between the two countries," he explained.

The potential for future growth in this aviation partnership is promising. Ambassador Erena expressed optimism about expanding these flights further. "We are confident that this step will mark the beginning of further fruitful cooperation in the aviation sector. We look forward to making these flights daily, in line with growing demand, to enhance connectivity and economic integration," he noted.

Adel Al Ali, Group CEO of Air Arabia, shared his enthusiasm for this new route. "We are pleased to launch our direct flights from Sharjah to Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, providing our passengers with more convenient travel options, whether for business or leisure. This new route reflects Air Arabia's commitment to offering affordable and reliable air travel while enhancing connectivity across our growing network," he commented.

This initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening ties between Sharjah and Addis Ababa. It not only enhances travel convenience but also supports economic integration between the UAE and Ethiopia.

With inputs from WAM