Monday, June 9, 2025
Ethiopian Airlines is proudly marking fifty years of continuous service to Kigali, a milestone that highlights the airline’s enduring role in shaping Africa’s aviation future. Since launching the Addis Ababa–Kigali route in 1975, the airline has evolved into a vital connector between nations, fostering strategic partnerships, boosting regional integration, and expanding access to over 145 destinations worldwide. This golden jubilee not only celebrates decades of reliable passenger and cargo services but also underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties across Africa and beyond through powerful global networks.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s premier aviation powerhouse, is proudly commemorating a remarkable milestone — the 50th anniversary of its first flight to Kigali, Rwanda. Since the launch of its Addis Ababa–Kigali service in 1975, the airline has grown to become a crucial bridge not only between Ethiopia and Rwanda but also among African countries and the wider world. This 50-year milestone celebrates a legacy of consistent service, strong partnerships, and remarkable advancement in both regional air travel and global connectivity.
Referring to the occasion, the Group CEO stated, “We are excited to reach such a milestone. Over 50 years of service to Kigali, we have expanded both our passenger and cargo operations, with increased frequencies for the benefit of our customers. This marks another demonstration of Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to serving the people of Africa.”
A Half-Century of Strategic Air Link
Back in 1975, Ethiopian Airlines inaugurated its service to Kigali at a time when commercial aviation was just beginning to reshape the African continent. This route symbolized more than just a flight path—it became a strategic lifeline that brought the people of Ethiopia and Rwanda closer, catalyzing diplomatic engagement, cultural exchange, and economic development. Over the years, this route has grown in significance, mirroring the evolution of the airline itself into a global brand synonymous with safety, efficiency, and African excellence.
Today, Ethiopian Airlines operates 21 weekly passenger flights along with three cargo-only services to Kigali. These flights offer a crucial travel and trade corridor that connects Rwanda to over 145 destinations in more than 80 countries across five continents via the airline’s strategic hub at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa. This robust schedule gives travelers from Kigali direct access to the world, supporting both business and leisure travel, while cargo services facilitate the movement of goods, supporting Rwandan exporters and importers alike.
Driving Pan-African Unity and Integration
Ethiopian Airlines, the continent’s most extensive carrier, serves as a vital force in promoting unity and integration across Africa. Its commitment to increasing intra-African connectivity is reflected in the wide coverage of its African network, which connects almost every major African capital. The Addis Ababa–Kigali route, with its high frequency and reliability, is one of the many arteries through which the airline fuels continental cooperation and mobility.
This connectivity isn’t just about flights; it’s about opportunities. Ethiopian Airlines has become an enabler of growth by helping to boost tourism, facilitate cross-border investment, and support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives. For countries like Rwanda, which has seen impressive economic transformation over the past two decades, reliable air connectivity has been a crucial component of development, enabling the flow of talent, goods, and ideas across borders.
Expanding Global Access from Kigali to the World
Ethiopian Airlines has gone far beyond regional service. Its extensive international network spans major global hubs in Europe, Asia, North and South America, and the Middle East. With seamless connections through Addis Ababa, passengers departing from Kigali can reach cities like London, Dubai, New York, Beijing, Paris, São Paulo, and more with minimal layover time and maximum convenience.
This global reach positions Ethiopian Airlines as not only Africa’s flag carrier but also a strategic player in global aviation. For Rwandan businesses and citizens, this means broader access to markets, universities, medical facilities, and tourism destinations around the world. At the same time, international visitors can reach Rwanda more easily, promoting tourism in a country known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich biodiversity.
Enabling Cargo Growth and Economic Development
Beyond passenger transport, Ethiopian Airlines has made significant investments in air cargo, recognizing its critical role in driving economic growth. With three dedicated freighter services to Kigali, Ethiopian Airlines has opened up new opportunities for Rwandan exporters to access global markets.
Whether it’s fresh produce, coffee, textiles, or industrial goods, air freight ensures quick and efficient delivery. These cargo services are essential in time-sensitive trade and in boosting Rwanda’s reputation as a reliable source of high-quality products. The airline’s state-of-the-art cargo and logistics infrastructure at Addis Ababa also ensures that perishable and high-value goods are handled with care, maintaining quality from origin to destination.
Commitment to Regional Partnerships and Development
Ethiopian Airlines’ journey to becoming a global aviation leader has been marked by strong partnerships and a commitment to African development. Its operations in Rwanda reflect this spirit of collaboration. Through its Kigali service, the airline not only connects passengers but also invests in talent development, tourism promotion, and bilateral cooperation.
Ethiopian Airlines’ operations in Kigali align seamlessly with Rwanda’s vision to establish itself as a regional aviation center. In pursuit of this goal, Ethiopian Airlines and Rwanda’s national carrier, RwandAir, are actively working together to identify collaborative opportunities such as codeshare partnerships and joint training initiatives. Their combined efforts reflect a mutual commitment to enhancing air connectivity and competitiveness across the African continent.
Looking Ahead
Ethiopian Airlines’ 50-year journey of uninterrupted service to Kigali stands as both a moment of pride and a launchpad for future growth. The carrier remains focused on upgrading its fleet, embracing cutting-edge technology, and enhancing service quality to keep pace with the changing expectations of today’s global travelers. Its expansion plan aims to cover even more African cities and deepen its reach in existing markets, keeping in step with Africa’s economic dynamism and demographic growth.
The next 50 years promise even greater cooperation between Ethiopia and Rwanda, and Ethiopian Airlines will remain at the heart of this partnership. By championing connectivity, inclusivity, and operational excellence, the airline reaffirms its role as Africa’s aviation leader and a force for good in regional integration.
Conclusion
Ethiopian Airlines marks fifty years of service to Kigali, celebrating its pivotal role in advancing Africa’s aviation through strategic partnerships and global connectivity.
Ethiopian Airlines’ 50-year legacy in Kigali is more than a record of flights; it is a testament to African resilience, progress, and unity. From a single route in 1975 to a modern network that spans the globe, Ethiopian Airlines has not only linked Ethiopia and Rwanda but has also uplifted the continent by building bridges in the sky. This golden jubilee is a proud reminder of what African-led aviation can achieve—and a bold signal of what lies ahead.
