Ethiopian Airlines Launches New Flights to European Tourist Hotspot Porto

Key Takeaways

• Ethiopian Airlines launches direct flights to Porto starting July 2, 2025, with four weekly Boeing 787 Dreamliner services.
• Flights route: Addis Ababa – Madrid – Porto, improving tourism and trade links between Africa and southern Europe.
• Passengers must meet Schengen visa requirements; tickets available on Ethiopian Airlines’ official website and travel agencies.

Ethiopian Airlines Opens New Gateway to Europe: Direct Flights to Porto, Portugal

Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most awarded airline, has launched a new direct passenger service connecting Addis Ababa to Porto, Portugal, with the first flight taking off on July 2, 2025. This new route, operated four times a week with the advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner, marks a major step in the airline’s ongoing expansion across Europe. The flights include a single stop in Madrid, Spain, before continuing to Porto, making travel between Africa and southern Europe easier than ever before.

This move is not just about adding another city to Ethiopian Airlines’ map. It’s about opening new doors for tourism, business, and cultural exchange between Africa and Europe. The launch of the Porto route reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting people and places, supporting economic growth, and offering more choices to travelers.

Why Porto? The Importance of the New Route

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is famous for its rich history, stunning architecture, and the world-renowned Douro Valley wine region. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto attracts millions of tourists each year. By starting direct flights to Porto, Ethiopian Airlines is tapping into a growing demand for travel to Portugal 🇵🇹, especially from African countries and beyond.

According to Ato Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, “We are thrilled to expand our network to Porto, Portugal, a vibrant city with rich cultural heritage and economic significance. This new route underscores our commitment to providing our passengers with more travel options and seamless connectivity. We look forward to welcoming our passengers on board and offering them the exceptional service that Ethiopian Airlines is known for.”

For travelers, this means easier access to one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. For businesses, it creates new opportunities for trade and investment between Africa and southern Europe. And for the city of Porto, it promises a boost in tourism and international connections.

Route Details: What Travelers Need to Know

The new Ethiopian Airlines service to Porto operates as follows:

• Route: Addis Ababa (ADD) – Madrid (MAD) – Porto (OPO)
• Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
• Frequency: Four flights per week
• Start Date: July 2, 2025
• Booking: Tickets are available through the Ethiopian Airlines official website and authorized travel agencies

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known for its comfort, quiet cabins, and modern features. Passengers can choose between business and economy class, both offering the airline’s award-winning service.

The stop in Madrid allows Ethiopian Airlines to connect two major Iberian cities with Africa, making the route efficient and convenient for travelers heading to either Spain or Portugal 🇵🇹.

How to Book and Prepare for Your Trip

Booking a flight on this new route is simple:

1. Visit the Ethiopian Airlines website or contact an authorized travel agent.
2. Select your travel dates and choose Porto as your destination.
3. Complete your booking and receive your e-ticket.

Travelers heading to Portugal 🇵🇹 must meet the standard Schengen visa requirements. Ethiopian Airlines provides helpful information about visa and entry rules on its website, but travelers should also check the official Portuguese government portal for the most up-to-date visa details.

For check-in, passengers can use online check-in or visit the airport counter. Ethiopian Airlines recommends arriving at least three hours before departure for international flights to allow enough time for security and boarding.

Onboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, passengers enjoy comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment, and a choice of meals. Business class offers extra space and privacy, while economy class provides a pleasant and relaxing journey.

Background: Ethiopian Airlines’ European Growth

Ethiopian Airlines has a long history of connecting Africa with Europe. Before launching the Porto route, the airline served Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹, through codeshare agreements with other European carriers via cities like London and Milan. The new Porto service is part of a larger expansion plan for 2025, which also includes new routes to Sharjah (UAE 🇦🇪), Hyderabad (India 🇮🇳), Hanoi (Vietnam 🇻🇳), and Abu Dhabi (UAE 🇦🇪).

With the addition of Porto, Ethiopian Airlines now operates about 140 weekly passenger flights to 22 European destinations and serves 8 cargo destinations in Europe. This makes the airline a key player in connecting Africa with the rest of the world.

The airline’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Ethiopian Airlines was recently named Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa’ for the eighth year in a row, a testament to its focus on quality, safety, and customer service.

Why This Matters: Impacts on Tourism, Trade, and Connectivity

The new Porto route is expected to have several important effects:

1. Boosting Tourism
Porto is already a popular destination for tourists from around the world. With direct flights from Addis Ababa, more travelers from Africa and other regions can now visit Porto easily. This is likely to increase the number of visitors to the city, benefiting hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and local businesses.

2. Supporting Trade and Business
Direct air links make it easier for business travelers to move between Africa and southern Europe. This can help companies build new partnerships, attend meetings, and explore investment opportunities. The route also supports cargo transport, making it faster to move goods between the two regions.

3. Strengthening Ethiopian Airlines’ Position
By adding Porto to its network, Ethiopian Airlines shows its commitment to growth and innovation. The airline is not only serving more destinations but also improving its connections between Africa and Europe. This helps Ethiopian Airlines remain competitive and attractive to travelers looking for reliable and comfortable flights.

4. Helping Local Communities
In Porto, local authorities and the tourism board have welcomed the new route. They expect it to bring more visitors, create jobs, and support the city’s economy. For African travelers, the route offers a new way to explore Europe 🇪🇺 and experience Portuguese culture.

Step-by-Step: The Travel Process for Passengers

Traveling on the new Ethiopian Airlines route to Porto is straightforward. Here’s what passengers can expect:

1. Booking Your Flight
– Visit the Ethiopian Airlines website or an authorized travel agent.
– Choose your travel dates and destination.
– Complete your booking and receive your e-ticket.

2. Preparing for Your Trip
– Check visa requirements for Portugal 🇵🇹. Most travelers will need a Schengen visa. Visit the official Portuguese visa portal for details.
– Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
– Review any health or vaccination requirements for travel between Africa and Europe.

3. Check-In and Boarding
– Use online check-in to save time, or check in at the airport.
– Arrive at least three hours before your flight.
– Have your passport, visa, and ticket ready for inspection.

4. Onboard Experience
– Enjoy the comfort of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, with modern seating and entertainment options.
– Choose from business or economy class, both offering Ethiopian Airlines’ award-winning service.
– Meals and drinks are served during the flight.

5. Arrival in Porto
– Go through immigration and customs at Porto Airport.
– Collect your luggage and enjoy your stay in Portugal 🇵🇹.

Industry and Expert Perspectives

Aviation experts say that Ethiopian Airlines’ decision to add Porto is a smart move. Porto is not only a top tourist spot but also a gateway to northern Portugal and the famous Douro Valley wine region. By flying to Porto, Ethiopian Airlines can attract both leisure and business travelers.

The stop in Madrid helps the airline use its planes more efficiently and connects two important cities in the Iberian Peninsula with Africa. This makes the network stronger and gives travelers more choices.

Travel agencies in both Europe and Africa have welcomed the new route. They say it gives their clients more options and makes it easier to plan trips between the two continents. Early feedback from passengers has been positive, with many praising the convenience of the direct connection and the quality of service on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Local authorities in Porto are also excited about the new flights. They believe the route will help the city recover from the impact of the pandemic and attract more international visitors. The Porto tourism board expects hotels, restaurants, and other businesses to benefit from the increased number of travelers.

Practical Guidance for Travelers

If you’re planning to use the new Ethiopian Airlines route to Porto, here are some practical tips:

• Book Early: Flights may fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Booking in advance helps secure your preferred dates and prices.
• Check Visa Requirements: Most travelers to Portugal 🇵🇹 need a Schengen visa. Start your application early and gather all required documents. The official Portuguese government visa portal provides detailed information.
• Prepare for Your Flight: Make sure your travel documents are up to date. Check baggage rules and pack accordingly.
• Use Online Check-In: Save time at the airport by checking in online and printing your boarding pass at home.
• Arrive Early: International flights require extra time for security and boarding. Arriving at least three hours before departure is recommended.

For more information about booking, travel requirements, and the latest updates, visit the Ethiopian Airlines official website.

Future Outlook: What’s Next for Ethiopian Airlines?

Ethiopian Airlines is not stopping with Porto. The airline is closely watching how popular the new route becomes and may increase the number of flights or add direct services if demand is strong. The airline is also looking at further expansion in Europe, with recent increases in flights to cities like Geneva, Lagos, Moscow, and Singapore announced for summer 2025.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Ethiopian Airlines’ ongoing growth in Europe is part of a larger strategy to connect Africa with the world and support economic development across the continent.

The airline’s focus on modern aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, combined with its reputation for quality service, positions it as a leader in African aviation. Passengers can expect more new routes and improved services in the coming years.

Summary Table: Ethiopian Airlines Porto Route (2025)

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Ethiopian Airlines’ new route to Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹, offers travelers more choices and easier access to one of Europe’s top destinations.
• The flights operate four times a week with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, stopping in Madrid, Spain.
• The new service is expected to boost tourism, support business, and strengthen ties between Africa and Europe.
• Travelers should check visa requirements and book early to secure their seats.
• For the latest information and to book tickets, visit the Ethiopian Airlines official website.

By opening this new gateway, Ethiopian Airlines continues to connect people, cultures, and economies, making international travel simpler and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Learn Today

Boeing 787 Dreamliner → A modern, fuel-efficient aircraft offering improved comfort, lower noise, and better air quality on long-haul flights.
Schengen visa → A visa permitting travel within the Schengen area, which includes Portugal, required for most international travelers.
Codeshare agreement → An arrangement where two airlines share the same flight, allowing wider connectivity and flexible routes for passengers.
Addis Ababa → The capital city of Ethiopia and a major aviation hub for connecting Africa with other continents.
UNESCO World Heritage Site → A landmark recognized by UNESCO for its cultural, historical, or natural significance, like Porto’s historic center.

This Article in a Nutshell

Ethiopian Airlines introduces a new route to Porto, Portugal, with four weekly Boeing 787 flights via Madrid, enhancing African-European travel and trade opportunities. This connection facilitates tourism, business, and cultural exchange, providing travelers a modern, comfortable experience. Early bookings and Schengen visa compliance are essential for smooth travel.
— By VisaVerge.com