Leulseged Desalegn, Chief Representative of Ethiopian Airlines in Việt Nam shared at the seminar. Photo courtesy of the airline

HÀ NỘI — Ethiopian Airlines has officially launched its Addis Ababa–Hà Nội service, creating the first direct air link between Việt Nam and Africa.

The new route, inaugurated in July 2025, marks a strategic milestone in Việt Nam’s global connectivity and is expected to boost trade, tourism and investment flows.

On Friday, Ethiopian Airlines, in partnership with Deks Air Việt Nam, held a seminar in Hà Nội to introduce its products, route network and policies for the Vietnamese market.

“Việt Nam is entering a new era of growth and deserves world-class connections,” said Leulseged Desalegn, Chief Representative of Ethiopian Airlines in Việt Nam.

“Our co-operation with Deks Air Việt Nam will unlock untapped potential and strengthen Việt Nam’s role as a gateway in Ethiopian Airlines’ global network spanning Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.”

The Addis Ababa–Hà Nội route is currently served four times per week with Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, including a dedicated weekly cargo service. For Vietnamese businesses, this provides a direct and reliable transport corridor to Africa and beyond.

“Our goal is to deliver a trustworthy cargo route for Vietnamese exporters and traders while elevating Việt Nam’s position as a global connector,” Desalegn added, noting plans to increase frequency in line with rising demand.

With a network of more than 66 African destinations and 145 global points, Ethiopian Airlines allows Vietnamese passengers to reach cities such as Nairobi, Cape Town and Zanzibar with only one stop, while offering seamless onward connections to Europe and the Americas.

At the event, the airline announced special incentives for the Vietnamese market, including competitive fares for groups of 10 or more, flexible name changes and payment options, and dedicated corporate and government packages. Passengers can also benefit from the ShebaMiles frequent flyer programme.

To support local travel agents and partners, Ethiopian Airlines introduced online portals, training programmes and customer services designed to make its products more accessible.

Industry experts say Ethiopian Airlines’ choice of Việt Nam as a destination reflects the country’s growing role in international supply chains and global air transport. Beyond passenger services, the route highlights Việt Nam’s increasing importance as a bridge between Asia and Africa.

With more than 80 years of history, a young fleet of over 160 aircraft, and consecutive awards as “Best Airline in Africa” by Skytrax, Ethiopian Airlines is implementing its Vision 2035 strategy to become one of the world’s top 20 airline groups — with Việt Nam now part of that ambition.

“This is more than a new air service,” Desalegn said. “It is a golden bridge that brings Việt Nam closer to Africa and connects both regions to the wider world.” — VNS