Amanze Chinonye
Ethiopian Airlines posted a 20 per cent increase in revenue to $9.1 billion for the 2025/26 financial year, driven by robust growth in passenger traffic and cargo operations despite disruptions caused by regional conflicts and health emergencies.
The state-owned carrier, Africa’s largest airline, carried 20.7 million passengers during the financial year ended July 7, representing a 10 per cent increase from the previous year. Cargo operations also recorded strong growth, with freight volumes rising 16 per cent year-on-year to 897,000 metric tonnes, further consolidating the airline’s leadership in Africa’s air cargo market.
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To support its expanding operations, Ethiopian Airlines added nine aircraft to its fleet during the year, increasing its total fleet size to more than 150 aircraft. The airline also upgraded facilities at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport to accommodate rising passenger and cargo demand.
As part of its long-term growth strategy, the airline announced in April the acquisition of six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to strengthen its long-haul network. In June, it disclosed that it expects to decide within three months on an order for 25 smaller commercial aircraft to expand its domestic and regional operations across Africa.
The airline’s latest performance comes as it advances plans for one of Africa’s largest aviation infrastructure projects. Construction is underway on a $12.5 billion mega airport at Bishoftu, about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa.
Scheduled for completion by 2030, the four-runway facility is expected to significantly boost passenger and cargo handling capacity while reinforcing Ethiopia’s ambition to become a leading global aviation hub.
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Although Ethiopian Airlines did not disclose its profit for the financial year, state media reported that its financial performance was affected by flight cancellations resulting from the conflict in the Middle East and operational disruptions linked to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Established in 1945, Ethiopian Airlines has grown into Africa’s largest carrier by fleet size, revenue and network, serving more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations worldwide.
As a member of the Star Alliance, the airline continues to invest in fleet modernisation and infrastructure to sustain its rapid expansion and strengthen its position in the global aviation industry.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
