Ethiopian Airlines leads globally in fifth-freedom flight operations

Fifth-freedom flights are gaining popularity among savvy travelers who appreciate their benefits, such as competitive pricing and enhanced service on larger aircraft. Currently, there are approximately 220 fifth-freedom flights operated by 68 airlines worldwide. Among these, Ethiopian Airlines stands out as the leader, operating over 10% of all such flights.

The concept of fifth-freedom flights is rooted in the Chicago Convention of 1944, which facilitates international air travel by allowing airlines to carry passengers between two foreign countries. For example, Emirates operates a well-known fifth-freedom route from New York to Milan despite not being domiciled in either country.

Ethiopian Airlines leads with 22 fifth-freedom routes, surpassing Emirates and other carriers like Kenya Airways and British Airways. This achievement highlights its strategic focus on underserved regions, particularly in Africa. Notable African routes include Harare-Lusaka and Bamako-Dakar, where Ethiopian competes with several international carriers.