Ethiopian Airlines has transported more than 13.9 million passengers during the first nine months of the current Ethiopian fiscal year, according to the country’s Ministry of Transport and Logistics. The announcement, reported by state-affiliated Fana Broadcasting Corporate, highlights the carrier’s continued trajectory as one of Africa’s largest and most dynamic aviation enterprises.
Of the total passenger volume recorded, over 11 million were international travellers, while 2.9 million were domestic. The reporting period covers the initial nine months of the fiscal year, which in Ethiopia begins in July and ends the following June.
The airline’s upward momentum follows a robust 2023/2024 fiscal year, during which it generated an annual revenue of 7.02 billion U.S. dollars. This figure marks a 14 percent increase compared to the preceding year, underscoring the carrier’s strong post-pandemic recovery and expanding global footprint. Throughout the full fiscal year ending July 7, 2024, Ethiopian Airlines transported 17.1 million passengers, including 13.4 million on international routes, and handled 754,681 tonnes of cargo, reflecting growing demand across both commercial and freight services.
Ethiopian Airlines operates under Vision 2035, a 15-year strategic plan designed to transform the carrier into one of the world’s most competitive aviation groups. This comprehensive blueprint encompasses not only passenger and cargo services but also ambitions in aviation training, airport management, and ground handling. The initiative is part of a broader national ambition to position Ethiopia as a central aviation and logistics hub on the continent.
In a significant infrastructural development, Ethiopian Airlines entered into a partnership agreement with the African Development Bank in March 2025 to support the construction of Ethiopia’s new mega international airport. Estimated at a cost of 7.8 billion U.S. dollars, the project is expected to drastically increase the country’s passenger handling capacity from 17 million to over 60 million annually by 2040. This expansion aligns with the government’s stated aim to elevate Ethiopia’s standing as a premier gateway for both regional and global travellers.
As it continues to invest in physical and human capital, Ethiopian Airlines is steadily reinforcing its strategic importance not only to the Ethiopian economy but also to the African aviation ecosystem. With a proven track record in safety, growth, and operational reliability, the airline remains a critical player in Africa’s aviation resurgence.
