Etihad Airways has expanded its African routes by adding six new destinations. The airline aims to enhance connectivity between the UAE and Africa.
The New Services
On April 14, 2026, the carrier announced the addition of new destinations within China, which will begin flying in late 2026/early 2027. The services will fly to and from Abu Dhabi, and will go to Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Shanghai.
After these additions, Etihad Airways expands its African routes by adding six new destinations. The announcement was made on April 17, 2026, almost immediately following the additions in China. The airline will be flying to: Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Eritrea, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Within the nations added, the cities served are:
- Accra, Ghana.
- Asmara, Eritrea.
- Lagos, Nigeria.
- Lubumbashi, DR Congo.
- Harare, Zimbabwe.
- Kinshasa, DR Congo.
Connectivity between UAE and Africa
The airline showcased the improvements which the services may generate. The new routes are likely to promote a stronger economic partnership between the regions, since it will increase trade and investments. Additionally, the tourism sector may be significantly strengthened by the services.
Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad Airways, has said:
“Our role is to provide connectivity that enables that growth. Demand for air connectivity across key African markets is outpacing existing supply, particularly in cargo and trade-linked sectors”. Overall, economic factors, such as trade and investments are strong drivers for the route expansion, other than tourism.
In sum, the new destinations will expand Etihad’s already vast network and grow tourism.
What do you think about the new destinations? What other countries do you think Etihad should add to its catalogue? Tell us your opinions in the comments.
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