Vietnam Joins Ethiopian Airlines’ Asia Expansion with Direct Addis Ababa Flights

Key Takeaways

• Ethiopian Airlines launched first direct Addis Ababa–Hanoi passenger service on July 10, 2025, with four weekly flights.
• Agreements with Vietnam include trade, education, aviation, and possible codeshare for smoother Africa-Asia travel.
• Deks Air Vietnam and Pacific Air act as passenger and cargo agents, boosting logistics and local support.

Ethiopian Airlines made history on July 10, 2025, by launching its first direct passenger service between Addis Ababa and Hanoi, Vietnam. This new route, with four weekly flights, marks a major step in connecting Africa and Southeast Asia. The move follows a series of important agreements between the two countries, aiming to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties.

The inaugural ceremony took place in Hanoi on July 11, 2025. During the event, Ethiopian Airlines signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with key Vietnamese partners, including Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Air, Vietnam Post (VNPost), and Deks Air Vietnam. These agreements set the stage for deeper cooperation in passenger and cargo operations, sales, and distribution.

Direct Passenger Service: A New Era for Africa–Asia Travel

Ethiopian Airlines’ direct passenger service between Addis Ababa and Hanoi is the airline’s 20th passenger destination in Asia. This route is not just about flying people from one place to another; it’s about building a bridge between two fast-growing regions. With four flights each week, travelers now have a seamless way to move between Africa and Southeast Asia, opening up new opportunities for business, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, explained the importance of this new route: “The launch of our direct flight to Hanoi is a significant milestone in our efforts to connect Africa with Southeast Asia. It will help boost tourism, trade, and people-to-people ties, supporting our global expansion strategy.”

Key Agreements and Policy Changes

The launch of the direct passenger service follows a civil aviation agreement signed in April 2025. This agreement was made during Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s official visit to Vietnam—the first such visit in the 50-year history of diplomatic relations between Ethiopia and Vietnam. The agreements signed during this visit cover several areas:

• Trade: Making it easier for businesses in both countries to buy and sell goods.
• Education: Helping students and teachers exchange knowledge and experiences.
• Economic Cooperation: Encouraging investment and joint projects.
• Aviation: Allowing airlines to operate direct flights and work together more closely.

Ethiopian Airlines and Vietnam Airlines are also in ongoing talks to deepen their cooperation. They may soon sign codeshare or interline agreements, which would let passengers book flights across both airlines’ networks with a single ticket. This would make travel even easier for people moving between Africa and Asia.

Operational Details: What Travelers and Businesses Need to Know

• Flight Frequency: The new route operates four times a week between Addis Ababa and Hanoi.
• Fleet: Ethiopian Airlines uses a modern fleet of over 140 aircraft, including Boeing 737, 777, 787, Airbus A350-900/1000, and De Havilland Q400.
• Network: The airline now serves over 160 destinations worldwide, with the Hanoi route further expanding its reach in Asia.
• Vision 2035: Ethiopian Airlines aims to become one of the world’s top 20 airline groups, with multi-hub operations across Africa.

For travelers, this means more choices and easier connections. For businesses, the new route brings improved cargo capacity and logistics support, making it simpler to move goods between Africa and Southeast Asia.

Stakeholders and Official Statements

Several key players are involved in making this new route a success:

• Deks Air Vietnam has been appointed as Ethiopian Airlines’ General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) for Vietnam. This means Deks Air Vietnam will handle ticket sales, customer service, and other support for passengers in Vietnam.
• Pacific Air is the General Sales Agent for Cargo (GSA Cargo), responsible for managing cargo bookings and logistics.
• Vietnam Airlines, VNPost, and Deks Air Vietnam are all working closely with Ethiopian Airlines to ensure smooth operations.

Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos highlighted the importance of these agreements: “The direct flights and new partnerships are a big step toward a strong, lasting, and sustainable relationship between our countries. We expect these changes to greatly improve trade and economic ties.”

How the Direct Passenger Service Benefits Travelers

The new direct passenger service between Addis Ababa and Hanoi offers several clear benefits:

• Faster Travel: No more long layovers or complicated connections. Passengers can fly directly between Africa and Vietnam, saving time and hassle.
• Easy Connections: From Addis Ababa, travelers can connect to Ethiopian Airlines’ wide network, reaching destinations across Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
• Better Service: With Deks Air Vietnam handling sales and support, passengers in Vietnam have a local partner to help with bookings and questions.

For those planning a trip, tickets can be booked directly on the Ethiopian Airlines website or through Deks Air Vietnam.

How the Direct Passenger Service Supports Businesses

Businesses also stand to gain from the new route:

• Improved Cargo Services: Pacific Air, as the GSA Cargo, offers specialized support for shipping goods between Africa and Vietnam. This includes handling logistics, customs, and delivery.
• Faster Shipping: Direct flights mean goods can move more quickly, helping companies meet tight deadlines and reduce costs.
• New Opportunities: With better air links, businesses can explore new markets, find new partners, and grow their operations.

For cargo bookings and support, companies should contact Pacific Air directly.

Broader Impacts: Tourism, Education, and Economic Growth

The agreements and new direct passenger service are expected to have wide-reaching effects:

• Tourism: Easier travel means more tourists can visit both countries, bringing new revenue and cultural exchange.
• Education: Student exchanges and academic partnerships will become simpler, helping young people learn and grow.
• Investment: With better connections, investors may find it easier to start projects in both countries, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Air, VNPost, and Deks Air Vietnam are all playing important roles in making these benefits a reality.

Step-by-Step Guide: Booking Flights and Shipping Cargo

For those interested in using the new direct passenger service or shipping cargo, here’s a simple guide:

Booking Passenger Flights:
1. Visit the Ethiopian Airlines website or contact Deks Air Vietnam.
2. Choose your travel dates and select the Addis Ababa–Hanoi route.
3. Complete your booking and receive your ticket.
4. For questions or special requests, reach out to Deks Air Vietnam for local support.

Shipping Cargo:
1. Contact Pacific Air, the designated GSA Cargo for Ethiopian Airlines in Vietnam.
2. Provide details about your shipment, including size, weight, and destination.
3. Pacific Air will handle booking, logistics, and delivery.
4. Track your shipment and receive updates until it arrives.

Background: 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations

Ethiopia and Vietnam have enjoyed diplomatic relations for 50 years. However, the recent agreements and the launch of direct flights represent the most significant deepening of ties to date. The two countries are now working together more closely than ever before, with a focus on mutual growth and cooperation.

Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion into Asia is part of its “Vision 2035” plan. The airline wants to become one of the world’s top 20 airline groups, with strong hubs across Africa and a growing presence in Asia and beyond. The new Hanoi route is a key part of this strategy.

Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives

Aviation analysts see the new route as a smart move. Africa and Asia are two of the world’s fastest-growing regions, with increasing demand for travel and trade. By offering direct flights, Ethiopian Airlines positions itself as a key connector between these markets.

Government officials from both countries have expressed strong support for the new air link. They believe it will bring real benefits to people and businesses, helping both countries grow and prosper.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the launch of direct passenger service between Addis Ababa and Hanoi is expected to set a new standard for Africa–Asia connectivity, with other airlines likely to follow suit in the coming years.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Ethiopian Airlines and Vietnam

Looking ahead, Ethiopian Airlines and Vietnam Airlines are in talks to deepen their partnership. This could include codeshare agreements, which would let passengers book flights across both airlines’ networks with a single ticket. Such agreements would make travel even easier and more flexible.

Sustainability is also on the agenda. Ethiopia’s broader green development goals, highlighted by its hosting of the 2027 P4G summit, may shape future aviation and transport cooperation. Both countries are exploring ways to make air travel more environmentally friendly.

Official Resources and Contact Information

For the most up-to-date information on flights, bookings, and cargo services, travelers and businesses should visit the Ethiopian Airlines official website. Deks Air Vietnam and Pacific Air can also provide local support and answers to specific questions. For regulatory matters, the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority offers guidance and approval processes for airlines and travelers.

Summary Table: Key Details (as of July 12, 2025)

Practical Takeaways and Next Steps

• Travelers: Book your direct flight between Addis Ababa and Hanoi for faster, easier travel between Africa and Southeast Asia.
• Businesses: Use Pacific Air for cargo shipments to take advantage of improved logistics and faster delivery times.
• Students and Educators: Explore new opportunities for exchange and cooperation between Ethiopia and Vietnam.
• Investors: Watch for new projects and partnerships as economic ties grow stronger.

For more information on international air travel regulations and updates, visit the Vietnam Civil Aviation Authority website.

Ethiopian Airlines’ direct passenger service to Vietnam is more than just a new flight route—it’s a symbol of growing friendship and cooperation between Africa and Southeast Asia. With strong support from both governments and key partners, this new connection is set to bring lasting benefits to travelers, businesses, and communities in both regions.

Learn Today

Direct Passenger Service → Flights transporting passengers nonstop between two cities without layovers or transfers.
Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) → Agreements outlining cooperative intentions between organizations or governments without being legally binding.
Codeshare Agreement → A partnership where airlines sell seats on each other’s flights to offer extended networks to travelers.
General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) → An agent managing airline sales and passenger services in a specific country or region.
Cargo General Sales Agent (GSA Cargo) → An agent responsible for marketing, booking, and handling air freight shipments for an airline.

This Article in a Nutshell

Ethiopian Airlines’ new direct route between Addis Ababa and Hanoi, launched July 10, 2025, strengthens Africa–Asia ties. Four weekly flights support trade, tourism, and partnerships. Key Vietnamese collaborators include Deks Air and Pacific Air, ensuring seamless passenger and cargo services. This milestone advances regional connectivity and economic growth.
— By VisaVerge.com