Ethiopian Airlines has announced that starting October 25, 2025, it will operate 12 weekly flights from Lubumbashi to over 140 global destinations. The airline confirmed that the Lubumbashi–Addis Ababa route will operate with this frequency, covering a distance of 1,627 miles (2,618 km) in approximately four hours and five minutes. This high frequency is expected to enhance flexibility for both business and leisure travelers by reducing wait times and offering multiple same-day options for onward connections.
According to FlightConnections, Lubumbashi International Airport has been expanding its network, becoming a stronger regional hub in the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Currently, FBM connects directly to 12 destinations in six countries, including major cities like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi. Ethiopian Airlines' decision to schedule 12 weekly services further consolidates Lubumbashi’s role in regional aviation and reduces reliance on less frequent connections through Kinshasa.
The expanded schedule offers travelers in Lubumbashi access to Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive global network. According to the airline's official website, passengers can connect from Lubumbashi via Addis Ababa to key global cities such as Brussels, Paris, Dubai, Delhi, and Guangzhou. This positions Addis Ababa as a strategic hub for both African and intercontinental travel.