Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s foremost flag carrier, has reported annual revenue of 7.6 billion US dollars for the 2024/2025 Ethiopian fiscal year, which concluded on 7 July 2025. This figure marks an 8 percent increase over the previous fiscal period, according to an official briefing held in Addis Ababa on Tuesday by Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew.

Despite persistent global and regional instability, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, alongside a sluggish global economy and newly enacted US aviation regulations, the airline achieved robust operational outcomes.

Tasew stated that Ethiopian Airlines transported a total of 19.1 million passengers, consisting of 15.2 million international travellers and 3.9 million domestic passengers. Additionally, the carrier facilitated the shipment of approximately 785,000 tonnes of cargo, underlining its dual strategic focus on both passenger and freight operations.

The fiscal year also saw Ethiopian Airlines launch six new international routes, expanding its global network to 145 international destinations. The airline further added 13 new passenger aircraft to its fleet as part of its growth-oriented investment strategy. Ethiopian Airlines remains a critical infrastructural and economic asset within Africa’s broader aviation and logistics ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the carrier plans to introduce 20 additional aircraft in 2026, a move aligned with increasing passenger demand and long-term fleet modernisation objectives.

The current operational hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, is nearing its annual passenger capacity of 25 million. In response, the airline is spearheading the construction of a new international airport located approximately 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, designed to accommodate the projected rise in passenger volumes over the coming decades.

As one of the few profitable and fully integrated state-owned airlines on the continent, Ethiopian Airlines continues to demonstrate operational resilience and strategic foresight. Its steady growth trajectory amid adverse macroeconomic and geopolitical conditions highlights the potential of African aviation to serve as a cornerstone of continental economic integration and global connectivity.
The carrier’s performance is expected to play a pivotal role in Africa’s aviation recovery post-pandemic, especially given its established leadership in connecting the continent to global markets and its longstanding membership in international aviation alliances such as Star Alliance.