Ethiopian Airlines Launches Flights to Bangladesh with Grand Inaugural Ceremony
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, celebrated the launch of its direct flight operations to and from Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a grand ceremony held on November 3, 2024, at an upscale hotel in Dhaka. Md Touhid Hossain, Foreign Affairs Adviser, joined the event virtually as the Chief Guest.
In a video message, Hossain underscored the new route’s potential to foster economic growth, with increased trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Bangladesh and Ethiopia. Other distinguished speakers included Nasrin Jahan, Secretary of Civil Aviation and Tourism; Md Monjur Kabir Bhuiyan, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB); Getachew Mengistie Alemayehu, Director General of Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority; and Lemma Yadecha, Ethiopian Airlines’ Group Chief Commercial Officer.
Nasrin Jahan highlighted the economic benefits of this new connectivity, noting it builds vital bridges between Bangladesh and Africa’s dynamic economies. CAAB Chairman Bhuiyan expressed optimism, calling Ethiopian Airlines a key player in Bangladesh’s aviation future, while Alemayehu of Ethiopian Civil Aviation noted the socio-economic opportunities the new route presents in line with Ethiopian Airlines’ motto: “Connecting Continents, Cultures, and Communities.”
Yadecha spoke to Ethiopian Airlines’ seamless access for Bangladeshi travelers to over 155 destinations worldwide. “Bangladesh is a vibrant and growing market, and we are confident our modern fleet and exceptional service will meet the needs of travelers,” Yadecha said, mentioning plans to increase flights to a daily service.
Ethiopian Airlines currently operates five weekly flights on the Addis Ababa-Dhaka-Addis Ababa route with Boeing 787-900 Dreamliner aircraft. Departures from Dhaka are scheduled for Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings, and Monday and Friday evenings.
The event was also attended by HSIA’s Executive Director, Group Captain Muhammed Kamrul Islam, and Shohag Hossain, Managing Director of Rhythm Group, the airline’s General Sales Agent in Bangladesh.
With a fleet of 147 aircraft, Ethiopian Airlines is Africa’s largest airline by passenger volume, destinations, and revenue, and the fourth-largest globally by countries served. Already a prominent player in South Asia, with routes to Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, and Karachi, the new Dhaka route signifies the airline’s strategic expansion into Asia.
The launch ceremony concluded with a gala dinner and vibrant cultural performances by African artists, reflecting Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to connecting cultures.