Friday, July 11, 2025
As a significant landmark for global air travel and international relations, Ethiopian Airlines opened the first ever international air link between Africa and Vietnam. From now, the new air route connects the Vietnamese capital Hanoi with the Ethiopian capital city of Addis Ababa, marking a major milestone towards forming stronger cultural, tourist, and economic ties between Africa and Southeast Asia.
The inaugural flight, ET0678, landed at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on schedule, marking the beginning of a direct air corridor between the two regions. The new service is set to revolutionize travel by cutting down the journey time significantly, offering travelers from both regions an easier and faster connection.
At the event, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Deputy Director of Noi Bai International Airport, highlighted the strategic significance of the new route. She emphasized that this air connection is not just about faster travel; it also opens new doors for greater cultural exchange, trade partnerships, and tourism growth between Southeast Asia and Africa. With Ethiopia serving as the gateway to Africa, the new link holds immense promise for both tourism and business sectors.
Vietnam and Africa: Strengthening Tourism and Economic Relations
Vietnam has seen a consistent rise in tourism, with travelers increasingly seeking new and diverse destinations. The introduction of the direct air route to Addis Ababa represents a breakthrough for the tourism sectors of both nations. For Vietnamese tourists, the new connection offers unprecedented access to the vibrant and diverse cultures of Africa. With Ethiopia’s rich history, scenic landscapes, and historical landmarks like the ancient city of Lalibela and the Simien Mountains, Vietnamese travelers will find an exciting range of experiences to explore.
For Africa, particularly Ethiopia, this route offers a direct path to the burgeoning Southeast Asian tourism market. As travel patterns evolve and more travelers seek to explore emerging destinations, this new air link will open up new opportunities for African tourism to benefit from the growing numbers of tourists in Southeast Asia.
Tourism from Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, has surged in recent years, as more travelers from the region seek to explore global destinations beyond traditional Western routes. In fact, this expansion in outbound tourism from Vietnam has been supported by a growing middle class with more disposable income and a desire for authentic, diverse travel experiences. Ethiopia and other African nations stand to benefit immensely from this increase in regional travel as they gain direct access to this eager market.
Impact on Global Tourism and Trade
Beyond tourism, the new route is set to have a far-reaching impact on global tourism and trade. Addis Ababa, the headquarters of the African Union, serves as a hub for diplomatic and economic activity across the African continent. Ethiopian Airlines’ direct flights will not only improve access to Ethiopia but will also serve as a gateway for passengers traveling to other key destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Ethiopian Airlines, recognized as the “Best Airline in Africa” by Skytrax, is a major player in the global aviation industry, with an extensive network that spans more than 60 destinations across Africa, Europe, and beyond. By offering four flights per week using the modern and efficient Boeing 787-800 aircraft, the airline enhances its reputation as a major hub for connecting passengers between Africa and the rest of the world.
The new direct route will also play a crucial role in strengthening economic cooperation between Southeast Asia and Africa. Both regions have seen significant growth in trade in recent years, and improved air connectivity is key to fostering deeper business relationships. The new route provides a direct link for businesses involved in import and export activities, reducing the time and cost involved in moving goods between the regions.
Vietnam’s strategic position within Southeast Asia, combined with Ethiopia’s role as the gateway to Africa, makes this air route a vital link for both trade and tourism. As the world recovers from the effects of the pandemic, the demand for direct air routes linking emerging markets is expected to increase, providing further opportunities for economic growth and development across the globe.
Looking Forward: Future Prospects for Southeast Asia and Africa
The opening of this new air route is just the beginning of what promises to be a flourishing relationship between Southeast Asia and Africa. As air travel between these two regions continues to grow, we can expect to see more collaborative efforts in the tourism and trade sectors. The direct route between Hanoi and Addis Ababa could inspire other Southeast Asian and African nations to explore similar partnerships, further strengthening the cultural and economic ties between these vibrant regions.
With more airlines expanding their routes to include Africa, the continent is poised to become an increasingly important destination for travelers from Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. Similarly, the strategic connections to Southeast Asia will make Africa a more attractive destination for tourists and businesses looking to explore new markets and opportunities.
Finally, the launch of Ethiopian Airlines’ direct air link between Hanoi and Addis Ababa is a landmark event which holds the key to international commerce and tourism of the future. By connecting two rich cultural and historical areas and economically feasible regions, the new air link has a great potential to enhance the interests of all the sides, boost tourist activities, and open new avenues for cross-continental cooperation.
Tags: Addis Ababa, Africa, Africa tourism, African Union, Boeing 787-800, direct air route, Ethiopia, ethiopian airlines, global tourism, Hanoi, Hanoi flight route, international flight, Noi Bai International Airport, southeast asia, Vietnam, Vietnam Tourism, Vietnam Travel