Africa’s largest and most profitable airline, Ethiopian Airlines, has posted a strong financial performance for the first half of its 2025/2026 fiscal year, reporting $4.4 billion in revenue the equivalent of roughly $4.5 billion in 2026 dollars when adjusted for inflation.
The figure represents a 14 percent year-on-year growth and surpasses the airline’s internal projections by two percent, underscoring its resilience at a time when the global aviation industry continues to grapple with uncertainty.
Speaking to journalists in Addis Ababa, Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew described the performance as encouraging despite mounting operational pressures.
“In terms of revenue, we generated 4.4 billion U.S. dollars during the first half of the current fiscal year. The revenue is two percent higher than the plan and showed a 14 percent growth compared to the revenue earned during the same period last year,” Tasew stated.
The airline transported 10.64 million passengers across its domestic and international network within the six-month period, reinforcing its role as a key bridge between Africa and the rest of the world. With operations spanning 145 international destinations — including three newly launched routes — Ethiopian Airlines continues to expand its global footprint and strengthen Addis Ababa’s standing as a major aviation hub.
Cargo operations also remained robust, with 451,000 tonnes transported during the reporting period. The sustained performance of the freight segment highlights Addis Ababa’s growing importance as a continental logistics center, particularly for trade between Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Despite the impressive numbers, the airline has not been immune to industry-wide challenges. Aircraft shortages have limited fleet expansion and scheduling flexibility, while adverse weather conditions and geopolitical conflicts have disrupted global aviation networks.
Tasew also pointed to the impact of visa restrictions imposed by the United States under President Donald Trump. According to him, U.S. visa policies have forced the airline to reschedule certain flights and reduce frequencies on some routes, particularly affecting travelers from Africa. Domestic security challenges have also weighed on operations.
Yet, even as global headwinds persist, Ethiopian Airlines remains firmly focused on its long-term Vision 2035 strategy a 15-year roadmap designed to transform the carrier into one of the world’s leading aviation groups. The ambitious plan spans passenger services, cargo operations, training, airport management, and ground handling, positioning the airline for sustained global competitiveness.
