New Delhi, 31 July 2024.
India and Ethiopia have formalized an additional air transport agreement to enhance flight access between the two nations. On July 30, 2024, a delegation from Ethiopia, headed by Getachew Mengste, Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, visited India. During this visit, they signed the expanded flight agreement with senior officials from the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Before the signing ceremony, representatives from Ethiopia and India engaged in thorough discussions and revisions of the document. As a result of the finalized agreement, Ethiopian Airlines will see an increase in its flight frequency from 35 to 38 flights per week. This expanded agreement not only enhances market opportunities for the airline but also introduces new flights to Hyderabad, in addition to the existing destinations of New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bangalore.
For cargo flights, Ethiopian Airlines will now have the flexibility to fly to Hyderabad and other cities, supplementing its previous routes to Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai, under special permissions. Indian airlines have also expressed interest in establishing flights to Addis Ababa, and these will be accommodated in accordance with the current agreement.
Getachew Mengste, Director General of the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, highlighted the significant economic benefits of this agreement. It is expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment, enhance export opportunities, facilitate the import of medical supplies, and improve access to medical services in India for Ethiopian patients. On the Indian side, the agreement was signed by Asangba Chuba, Secretary General of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This new accord builds on the first air transport agreement signed between Ethiopia and India in 1959 during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie.
Sandeep Meena, Sales Manager for Ethiopian Airlines in India, commented, "The recently signed agreement will significantly strengthen our partnership and enhance our ability to serve our passengers more effectively." He continued, "We are also excited to share that Indian carriers are preparing to launch flights to Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and Ethiopian Airlines are fully committed to offering the necessary support to our Indian partners."
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