Ethiopian Airlines Brings Daily Addis–Durban Route Back in December 2026
Addis Ababa — Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has announced that it will resume daily passenger flights between Addis Ababa and Durban, South Africa, effective 11 December 2026. This information was made available via a press statement dated 29 September 2026. The new route marks the airline’s third South African destination, joining existing services to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The resumption strengthens Ethiopian Airlines’ footprint in South Africa and bolsters connectivity between the eThekwini metro and the airline’s extensive global network through its Addis Ababa hub.
Schedule
The daily service will operate on the following timetable:
| Flight No. | Departure | Arrival | Departure Airport | Arrival Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ET 889 | 08:35 | 13:25 | Addis Ababa (ADD) | Durban (DUR) |
| ET 888 | 14:15 | 21:00 | Durban (DUR) | Addis Ababa (ADD) |
Strategic Significance
Ethiopian Airlines has operated in South Africa for more than three decades, launching its Johannesburg service in 1993 and adding Cape Town in 2015. The Durban route response to growing passenger and cargo demand and is expected to facilitate increased business, tourism, and trade links between South Africa and destinations worldwide.
“We are delighted to welcome Durban back to our network. The resumption of this daily service underscores our commitment to providing seamless connectivity and greater travel choices for our passengers within Africa and beyond.” — Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO, Ethiopian Airlines
