Ethiopian Airlines announced the commencement of passenger service to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on June 1, 2025. The announcement was made on the social media platform X.
According to Ethiopian Airlines, the new Addis Ababa–Sharjah route operates four times weekly. Flights depart Addis Ababa on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 10:05 p.m., arriving in Sharjah at 3:25 a.m. Return flights leave Sharjah on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 4:25 a.m., reaching Addis Ababa at 7:45 a.m. The service utilizes Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, known for their fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
As reported by Business Insider Africa, the inaugural flight on June 2, 2025, was marked by a ceremonial reception at Sharjah International Airport. Senior officials from both Ethiopia and the UAE attended the event. The new route is anticipated to bolster trade and investment ties between the two regions. This aligns with Sharjah Airport's strategic goal to increase its annual passenger capacity to 25 million by 2027. The addition of Ethiopian Airlines is expected to enhance Sharjah's connectivity with Africa.