Porto: Ethiopian Airlines Expands Routes With New Flight Service To Northern Portugal – Travel And Tour World

Ethiopian Airlines, the flag carrier of Ethiopia, has officially launched a new flight service connecting Addis Ababa (ADD), the Ethiopian capital, to Porto (OPO), Portugal. This new route, which includes a technical stop in Madrid (MAD), marks Ethiopian Airlines’ first service to northern Portugal and further strengthens its growing presence in Europe. The new route offers fresh connectivity between Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, opening up new travel options for passengers in northern Portugal and surrounding regions.

Porto, Portugal’s second-busiest airport, now becomes a key part of Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive European network, which already spans over 20 destinations. This new addition comes as part of the airline’s ongoing expansion efforts to meet increasing demand for connectivity and bolster its role as a central hub for Africa-Europe travel.

A New Gateway to Northern Portugal
Ethiopian Airlines’ new service will connect Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) with Porto Airport (OPO), with a technical stop in Madrid (MAD) on the westbound leg of the journey. This addition brings Ethiopian Airlines’ total destinations in Portugal to two, complementing its long-standing service to Lisbon.

The flights will operate four times a week, utilizing Ethiopian Airlines’ Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which are known for their comfort and efficiency. These planes offer both passenger seating and belly cargo capacity, allowing the airline to cater to both travelers and cargo needs.

The new route provides a much-needed direct flight option for travelers in northern Portugal, who previously had to transit through Lisbon or other European hubs to reach Africa or Asia. The ability to fly directly from Porto offers significant convenience for passengers traveling between the Iberian Peninsula and destinations in Africa, as well as for those heading to Ethiopia’s extensive network of flights across the continent and beyond.

Flight Schedule and Operations
Ethiopian Airlines will operate the new Porto route on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The outbound flight, ET712, departs Addis Ababa at 01:35 am local time, arriving in Madrid at 07:55 am. After a brief 1-hour and 15-minute fuel stop, the flight continues to Porto, reaching the Portuguese city at 10:00 am local time.

On the return leg, flight ET713 departs Porto at 9:10 pm and arrives in Addis Ababa at 06:00 am the next day, completing the route. This schedule ensures flexibility for passengers traveling on either side of the route, providing an efficient and practical travel option.

The addition of this service is significant as it provides not only an alternative for travelers but also a crucial link between Porto and Ethiopia’s hub in Addis Ababa. The technical stop in Madrid allows for a more efficient travel experience, as it opens up access to additional European cities while maintaining direct connections to northern Portugal.

A Strategic Move for Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines has long been a pivotal connector between Africa and the rest of the world, with Addis Ababa serving as a strategic hub. The new Porto route plays a key role in this strategy, tapping into the underserved northern Portugal market, which historically has lacked direct links to sub-Saharan Africa.

Porto’s catchment area extends beyond northern Portugal, including parts of northwestern Spain. This broadens the potential customer base for Ethiopian Airlines, offering better access to a region with strong ties to Portuguese-speaking African countries such as Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, and others. These ties are crucial for the airline, which has a long history of serving African destinations and fostering connections with diaspora communities.

Additionally, Porto is a significant hub for exports, being home to Portugal’s second-largest export economy and one of its busiest seaports. Ethiopian Airlines recognizes the importance of this for cargo services, as the demand for perishable goods, textiles, and industrial products from northern Portugal is expected to grow. Ethiopian’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners offer belly cargo capacity, making the airline well-positioned to serve this market, providing vital air freight connections for businesses in both Africa and Europe.

Expanding European Reach Beyond Major Hubs
The introduction of the Porto route aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ strategy of expanding its European network beyond traditional hubs like Lisbon, Brussels, and Frankfurt. In recent years, Ethiopian Airlines has launched flights to secondary cities, including Geneva and Manchester. These routes are designed to meet demand for direct services and to serve the growing trade and diaspora traffic between Europe and Africa.

Ethiopian Airlines has also demonstrated a flexible approach with these routes, often starting with limited frequencies and adjusting based on passenger demand and commercial viability. The four-weekly schedule for the Porto route provides the airline with the flexibility to scale the service if demand increases. The ability to adjust frequencies is important, as the airline continues to fine-tune its network to meet shifting travel trends and the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

Looking Toward the Future
Ethiopian Airlines’ new Porto service is not only an important addition to its European network, but it is also a vital step toward diversifying the airline’s reach and strengthening its position as a leader in African aviation. The airline’s long-term plans include expanding its network of destinations across Europe and beyond, offering more choices for travelers seeking direct routes between Africa, Europe, and other global destinations.

In conclusion, the launch of the Porto route further solidifies Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to connecting Africa with Europe and the world. Whether for business, leisure, or connecting flights to Africa and Asia, the new service offers greater convenience, flexibility, and access to one of Europe’s most vibrant and growing regions. As the airline continues to adapt to the changing dynamics of global travel, services like this one ensure Ethiopian Airlines remains at the forefront of connecting the world to Africa.

(Source: Ethiopian Airlines, Government of Ethiopia, Ministry of Transport, Portugal Aviation Authorities)

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