Ethiopian Airlines began direct passenger flights between Addis Ababa and Port Louis on July 12, opening a new air link between the East African hub and the Indian Ocean island nation, the carrier said in a statement.
The service connects Addis Ababa Bole International Airport with Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and will operate three times a week using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Before the launch, Ethiopian Airlines served Mauritius through interline and codeshare arrangements via regional hubs including Johannesburg, Nairobi and Antananarivo.
The airline described the route as part of its wider strategy to expand its African network and strengthen connectivity between the continent and the rest of the world through its Addis Ababa hub. Passengers travelling from Mauritius will be able to connect onward to destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
“Mauritius is a destination of remarkable beauty, rich culture, and growing economic importance,” Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive officer Mesfin Tasew said, according to Ethio Negari. “We are delighted to launch this direct flight service to Mauritius, making it easier for Africans and other international tourists to visit this beautiful African island destination, while also enhancing business and trade opportunities.”
Ethiopian Airlines said the new route is expected to support tourism growth, facilitate trade and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries. The carrier currently serves more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations worldwide.
At the launch ceremony, Ethiopia’s state minister of foreign affairs, Hadera Abera, said the route reflects the shared commitment of Ethiopia and Mauritius to regional integration, according to ENA. “It is the opening of a new bridge connecting our two nations, our peoples and our economies,” he said, ENA reported.