Sharjah Airport has inaugurated direct flights to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, through Ethiopian Airlines, marking a significant enhancement of air connectivity between Africa and the Middle East. This development aligns with the airport’s long-term objective of becoming a central hub in global aviation.

The introduction of four weekly flights is expected to establish strong travel corridors that will facilitate not only passenger movement but also enhance business, logistics, and economic collaboration. This new route signals a future of faster and more strategically aligned intercontinental air travel, catering to global market demands.

The air corridor connecting Sharjah and Ethiopia holds the potential to benefit international travel on various levels. Experts believe that this connection will enhance mobility between Africa and the UAE, while also positively impacting travel to Europe, Asia, and other Middle Eastern regions. The direct flights are anticipated to widen travel options, reduce transit times, and strengthen trade and diplomatic ties between the UAE and African nations.

Sharjah Airport’s aviation growth appears to be significantly driven by digital transformation initiatives. The airport has reportedly focused on implementing smart systems, automated services, and advanced infrastructure to ensure a safe and efficient passenger experience. These enhancements are in line with global best practices and aim to support the needs of international airline partners.

The flight schedule established by Ethiopian Airlines offers convenience for travelers, with departures from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to Sharjah on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Return flights from Sharjah to Ethiopia are scheduled for Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This consistent frequency is designed to support business engagements, weekend travel, and tourism between the two regions.

This new route is part of Sharjah Airport’s broader strategic plan to strengthen connections with emerging markets. The airport aims to collaborate with key airlines like Ethiopian Airlines to enhance intercontinental integration. Furthermore, the introduction of these flights aligns with Sharjah’s goal to increase its annual passenger capacity to 25 million by 2027, as it continues its expansion projects.

On June 2, 2025, Sharjah Airport celebrated a milestone by welcoming its first direct flight from Addis Ababa, underscoring its commitment to boosting intercontinental connectivity, especially with Africa. This event was met with formal receptions, highlighting its strategic significance in the aviation landscape.

The partnership between Sharjah Airport and Ethiopian Airlines represents a vision for integration and mutual growth, focusing on reshaping air connectivity between major global regions. With strengthened infrastructure and a dedication to operational excellence, Sharjah Airport is positioned to meet the increasing demand for international travel while solidifying its role across continents.