Ethiopian Airlines Posts $4.4 Billion Revenue in First Half of 2025/26

February 11, 2026

Ethiopian Airlines has announced revenues of 4.4 billion US dollars for the first six months of the 2025/26 fiscal year, exceeding its internal target by two percent and reinforcing its position as Africa’s leading carrier.

The airline disclosed the figures on Tuesday in Addis Ababa, highlighting what executives described as strong operational performance despite global headwinds affecting both passenger and cargo markets. The half-year results reflect sustained demand across key routes and continued expansion into new international destinations.

According to management, the revenue growth comes at a time when the aviation industry is navigating multiple external pressures. These include visa restrictions affecting cross-border travel, tariff disputes influencing global trade flows and ongoing conflicts in parts of Africa, notably in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite these challenges, the airline maintained steady growth across its core business segments.

Speaking at a briefing in the Ethiopian capital, the airline’s chief executive emphasised the carrier’s strategic expansion during the reporting period. New routes were launched to Porto in Portugal, Hanoi in Vietnam and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. These additions are part of a broader network diversification strategy aimed at strengthening links between Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

With the inclusion of these new destinations, Ethiopian Airlines now serves 145 international destinations, one of the largest networks on the continent. The expansion reflects the airline’s long-term ambition to position Addis Ababa as a major aviation hub connecting Africa to global markets.

Passenger traffic remained robust during the first half of the fiscal year. The airline transported 10.64 million passengers, representing an 11 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The growth underscores a rebound in international travel demand and the airline’s ability to capture market share across competitive routes.

Industry analysts note that Ethiopian Airlines has historically leveraged its hub-and-spoke model to channel passengers through Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport, facilitating connections between African cities and long-haul destinations. This strategy has allowed the carrier to maintain high aircraft utilisation rates and competitive scheduling options.

Cargo operations also delivered strong performance. The airline reported transporting 451,000 tons of cargo during the six-month period, surpassing its half-year target by four percent. Cargo remains a critical revenue pillar for the airline, particularly in times when passenger travel faces regulatory or geopolitical constraints.

The global cargo sector has experienced volatility due to shifting trade patterns and tariff-related disruptions. However, Ethiopian Airlines’ diversified freight network, which includes dedicated cargo aircraft and belly-hold capacity on passenger flights, has helped mitigate these fluctuations. The carrier plays a significant role in transporting goods such as pharmaceuticals, perishables and industrial equipment between Africa and international markets.

The airline’s resilience is particularly notable given the broader context of regional instability. Conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo have affected airspace management, travel demand and logistics routes in parts of East and Central Africa. Nonetheless, the airline has continued to operate scheduled services while adjusting routes as necessary to ensure safety and compliance with international aviation standards.

Visa-related travel restrictions in certain markets have also posed challenges for airlines globally. Such measures can limit passenger flows and complicate network planning. Ethiopian Airlines’ broad geographic reach and diversified customer base have helped cushion the impact of these restrictions.

Financial experts say exceeding revenue targets during a turbulent global environment demonstrates disciplined cost management and effective strategic planning. While detailed profit figures for the period were not disclosed in the announcement, surpassing revenue projections suggests healthy operational momentum.

The airline’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme has also contributed to performance gains. Ethiopian Airlines operates a mix of modern aircraft, including fuel-efficient long-haul jets and regional aircraft suited to intra-African routes. Fleet efficiency plays a crucial role in controlling operating costs, particularly amid fluctuating fuel prices.

Addis Ababa continues to strengthen its position as a continental aviation hub. Investments in airport infrastructure and expansion projects at Bole International Airport have supported increased passenger volumes and improved transit experience. The airport’s connectivity has been central to Ethiopian Airlines’ competitive advantage.

Aviation analysts highlight that African carriers face intense competition from Middle Eastern, European and Asian airlines that also serve the continent. Ethiopian Airlines’ network growth into destinations such as Porto, Hanoi and Abu Dhabi reflects a strategy aimed at deepening global partnerships and attracting transit passengers.

The launch of services to Porto enhances connectivity between Africa and Southern Europe, while Hanoi strengthens links with Southeast Asia, a region experiencing growing trade and tourism exchanges with Africa. Abu Dhabi adds another strategic connection within the Gulf region, expanding options for both business and leisure travellers.

Looking ahead, the airline is expected to continue evaluating new market opportunities as part of its long-term Vision 2035 strategy, which seeks to expand network reach, fleet capacity and service quality. The strategy positions the airline as a driver of economic integration and trade facilitation across Africa.

As global aviation continues to recover from past disruptions and adapt to emerging geopolitical realities, Ethiopian Airlines’ latest results signal sustained momentum. The carrier’s ability to exceed revenue targets, expand routes and grow passenger and cargo volumes underscores its role as a key player in Africa’s aviation sector.

Africa Live News will continue to track developments in the aviation industry and provide updates on major carriers across the continent.