Ethiopian Airlines launches new thrice-weekly passenger service to Lyon

Ethiopian Airlines has officially commenced a new thrice-weekly passenger service connecting Addis Ababa to Lyon, France. The service, which began on 2 July 2026, marks the airline's third destination within France, adding to its existing operations in Paris and Marseille. The expansion serves as part of a broader strategy to solidify the carrier’s footprint in Europe and bolster the economic and cultural ties between the two nations.

The inauguration of the route was celebrated with a ceremony at the airline's headquarters in Addis Ababa. Attendees included senior executives from the national carrier, government officials, and the French Ambassador to Ethiopia, Alexis Lamek. During the event, the ambassador highlighted the strategic importance of the connection, describing the new direct service as a reflection of the expanding partnership between Ethiopia and France. According to the ambassador, the route is expected to enhance economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Media additions

Lyon, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a significant industrial and culinary centre, now functions as the airline's 23rd destination in Europe. The flights operate using the Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with a schedule set for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The carrier intends for this new link to act as a gateway, providing travelers with onward connectivity to more than 60 destinations across Africa, as well as locations throughout the Middle East and Asia via the Addis Ababa hub.

"We are truly delighted to connect our passengers to an additional getaway in France with our new flights to Lyon. The addition of Lyon further strengthens these long-standing ties, providing greater connectivity and more travel options for passengers moving between France and Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network."

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, via corporate release

Beyond passenger convenience, the new route is designed to facilitate trade and cargo operations. By establishing this corridor, the airline aims to streamline the export of African produce and various goods into the European market, while simultaneously creating new avenues for French investment in East Africa. To this end, leadership at the airline has extended an invitation to French companies to participate in the development of the Bishoftu International Airport project.

Growth and Strategic Outlook

The launch of the Lyon service represents a tangible step in the airline’s Vision 2035 plan, which seeks to position the group among the top 20 most competitive aviation entities globally. As part of this overarching expansion, the carrier has committed to a significant increase in its operational capacity over the coming years. This includes plans to finalize the launch of five additional international destinations before the end of 2026.

The following details outline the current expansion and operational context of the airline:

• French Destinations: Paris, Marseille, and now Lyon.
• Service Frequency: Thrice-weekly.
• Projected Goals: Five additional international routes scheduled for launch by the end of 2026.
• Infrastructure Projects: Ongoing development of the Bishoftu International Airport mega-hub.
• Fleet Modernisation: Utilization of ultra-modern aircraft including the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 787-9.

As the airline continues to integrate its hub-and-spoke model across Africa—supported by partnerships with regional carriers in Togo, Malawi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—the addition of Lyon serves to reinforce its role as a bridge between the African continent and major European economic centres. The airline plans to continue its focus on supporting the continent's economic integration while maintaining its status as a primary conduit for intercontinental travel.