Ethiopian Airlines recorded a 20% increase in revenue during the 2025/26 financial year, reflecting continued growth in passenger traffic, cargo operations and fleet expansion despite disruptions caused by regional conflicts and public health challenges.
According to Reuters, Africa’s largest airline generated $9.1 billion in revenue during the financial year, highlighting the carrier’s continued position as one of the continent’s leading aviation companies.
The latest performance comes as Ethiopian Airlines continues investing in fleet expansion and airport infrastructure to strengthen both its international and domestic operations.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew continues to oversee the airline’s long-term expansion strategy as the carrier increases capacity and extends its network across Africa and international markets.
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According to Reuters, Ethiopian Airlines carried 20.7 million passengers during the financial year ending July 7, representing a 10% increase compared with the previous year.
The airline also recorded a 16% increase in cargo volumes, transporting 897,000 metric tonnes of freight over the same period.
Reuters reported that Ethiopian Airlines added nine aircraft to its fleet during the financial year and continued expanding facilities at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
The carrier, which operates a fleet of more than 150 aircraft, announced in April that it would purchase six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft to strengthen its long-haul network.
Reuters also noted that the airline expects to decide within three months on an order for 25 smaller commercial aircraft to support expansion across its regional and domestic routes.
While the company did not disclose its profit figures, Reuters reported that financial performance was affected by flight cancellations linked to the conflict in the Middle East and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
What This Means For Africa
The latest results reinforce Ethiopian Airlines’ position as one of Africa’s most successful aviation companies and a key driver of regional connectivity.
For Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew, continued investment in fleet expansion, airport infrastructure and route development reflects the airline’s ambition to strengthen Africa’s role in global aviation while meeting growing passenger and cargo demand.
According to Reuters, the company’s ongoing investments demonstrate confidence in the long-term growth of Africa’s aviation industry despite geopolitical tensions and operational disruptions.
A stronger Ethiopian Airlines also supports trade, tourism and investment across the continent by improving connectivity between African economies and major international markets.
The airline’s expanding cargo operations are equally significant, providing businesses with improved logistics capacity as African countries seek to boost exports and strengthen regional supply chains.
As demand for air travel continues to recover and African economies expand, Ethiopian Airlines’ growth strategy highlights the important role aviation will continue to play in supporting economic integration, commerce and sustainable development across the continent.
Ethiopian Airlines’ continued expansion demonstrates how sustained investment in aviation infrastructure, fleet modernisation and regional connectivity can strengthen Africa’s competitiveness in global air transport while supporting trade, tourism and economic growth.
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