Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, posts $4.4 billion revenue in H1 2026

Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest carrier, strengthened its position as the continent’s most profitable airline, reporting $4.4 billion in revenue for the first half of its 2026 financial year. When adjusted for inflation, this equates to $4.5 billion, reflecting a 14 percent increase compared with the same period last year and exceeding internal forecasts.

The airline carried 10.64 million passengers across domestic and international routes, highlighting its critical role as a connector between Africa and the wider world. Cargo operations remained strong, with 451,000 tonnes transported during the period, reinforcing Addis Ababa’s growing status as a logistics hub for the continent.

Airline growth defies operational pressures

Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines’ Group CEO, said the results reflect both the airline’s resilience and careful planning. “In terms of revenue, we generated $4.4 billion in the first half of the fiscal year, which is 2 percent above our plan and a 14 percent rise compared to last year,” he said.

Tasew acknowledged ongoing operational pressures, including aircraft shortages, adverse weather, geopolitical tensions, and broader global uncertainties. He also cited U.S. visa policies, which have limited entry for some African travelers, forcing the airline to reschedule certain flights. Domestic security challenges have also weighed on operations, he added.

Ethiopian Airlines remains focused on its Vision 2035 strategy, aiming to expand across passenger services, cargo, training, airport management, and ground handling. The plan targets 65 million passengers and three million tons of cargo annually by 2035, with a long-term goal of $25 billion in revenue, positioning the airline as a major global aviation group.

Ethiopian Airlines expands fleet, infrastructure

Ethiopian Airlines announced in January the purchase of nine Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with deliveries planned from 2031 to 2033. Combined with 11 Boeing 737 MAX jets ordered at the Dubai Airshow, the deal adds 20 fuel-efficient planes to its fleet. The carrier now operates Africa’s largest 787 Dreamliner fleet, using 787-8 and 787-9 jets on intercontinental routes to Europe, Asia, and North America, as well as key intra-African connections.

The airline’s growth extends beyond the skies. Ethiopian Airlines is also modernizing its infrastructure with the Bishoftu International Mega Airport City, a project set to reshape African aviation and strengthen the airline’s global competitiveness. These moves reflect the group’s strategy to grow its network while sustaining financial performance amid operational and geopolitical challenges.