Ethiopian Airlines Flights
Search and compare cheap Ethiopian Airlines tickets across Africa and worldwide. Find the best ET fares for your journey — only on FareOptic.
About Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines (IATA: ET) is Ethiopia's state-owned flag carrier and Africa's largest airline by fleet size, revenue, and number of destinations served. Founded in 1945, Ethiopian has grown into one of the most profitable and best-run airlines on the continent, operating a modern fleet that includes the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350. As a member of Star Alliance, Ethiopian connects travelers to 28 partner airlines around the world.
Ethiopian's hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) has earned the airline its reputation as the "Gateway to Africa" — its extensive intra-African route network links dozens of African cities to each other, often via Addis Ababa, in addition to long-haul international routes spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. FareOptic compares Ethiopian Airlines fares across all routes to find your best ET ticket price.
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Popular Ethiopian Airlines Routes
Most searched Ethiopian Airlines international flights
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
Ethiopian Airlines Hub Airports
Ethiopian Airlines operates through 1 major hub, connecting Africa to the rest of the world.
Ethiopian Airlines Cabin Classes
Find the right Ethiopian Airlines cabin for your journey and budget — from affordable Economy to premium Business.
Economy
- ✓Complimentary meals on all flights
- ✓Seatback entertainment on long-haul aircraft
- ✓23kg checked baggage included
- ✓USB power at most seats
- ✓Earn ShebaMiles on every flight
Business Class
- ✓Lie-flat seating on long-haul wide-bodies
- ✓Direct aisle access on 787 and A350 jets
- ✓Multi-course dining with premium beverages
- ✓Cloud Nine Lounge access at Addis Ababa
- ✓40kg checked baggage allowance
ShebaMiles Program
ShebaMiles is Ethiopian Airlines' frequent flyer program, named after the legendary Queen of Sheba. Earn miles on Ethiopian flights and Star Alliance partners; redeem for flight awards, upgrades, and other travel benefits across the network.
Star Alliance Network
ShebaMiles can be earned and redeemed on 28 Star Alliance partner airlines, opening up a global route network far beyond Ethiopian's own destinations.
Status Tiers
Silver, Gold, and Platinum tiers unlock priority check-in, extra baggage, lounge access, and bonus mile earning on Ethiopian and partner flights.
Cloud Nine Lounge
ShebaMiles Gold and Platinum members and Business Class passengers can access the Cloud Nine Lounge at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Award Redemptions
Redeem ShebaMiles for flight awards across Ethiopian's African and intercontinental network, plus Star Alliance partner flights worldwide.
Ethiopian Airlines Baggage Policy
Fees and allowances vary by route and fare type. Always verify at time of booking.
| Bag / Policy | Economy | Economy Flex | Business | ShebaMiles Elite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | 7 kg | 7 kg | 7 kg | 7 kg |
| 1st checked bag | 23 kg | 23 kg | 32 kg | 32 kg |
| 2nd checked bag | Fee | Fee | 32 kg | 32 kg |
| 3rd checked bag | Fee | Fee | Fee | 32 kg |
| Weight limit per bag | 23 kg | 23 kg | 32 kg | 32 kg |
Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowances vary by route and fare class. ShebaMiles Gold and Platinum members receive enhanced allowances. Verify at ethiopianairlines.com.
Check-In Options & Boarding
Online Check-In
Opens 24 hours before departure at ethiopianairlines.com or the Ethiopian Airlines app. Web check-in closes 90 minutes before international departure.
Mobile App Check-In
Download the Ethiopian Airlines app on iOS or Android to check in, access your mobile boarding pass, and receive real-time flight notifications.
Airport Check-In
Self-service kiosks and staffed counters are available at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport and other Ethiopian stations. Gates typically close 45 minutes before departure.
Cancellation & Change Policy
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation
All FaresEthiopian Airlines tickets booked directly can be cancelled within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, provided the flight departs at least 7 days away.
Change Policy
Fare DependentFlexible fares allow changes with minimal or no fees. Standard Economy fares carry change fees plus any fare difference, and vary by route and season.
Non-Refundable Ticket Credit
Non-RefundableCancelling a non-refundable Ethiopian Airlines ticket after the 24-hour window typically results in a future travel credit rather than a cash refund.
Refundable Fares
Flex FaresFully refundable fare types are available at a premium, offering maximum flexibility for travelers with uncertain plans.
In-Flight Experience on Ethiopian Airlines
Onboard Dining
Complimentary meals featuring Ethiopian and international cuisine are served on all long-haul flights, with an expanded menu in Business Class.
Inflight Entertainment
Seatback entertainment systems on Ethiopian's 787 and A350 aircraft offer movies, TV shows, and music for long-haul international routes.
Inflight Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi connectivity is available on select long-haul Ethiopian Airlines aircraft — check availability for your specific flight at booking.
Cloud Nine Lounge
Business Class passengers and eligible ShebaMiles members can relax in the Cloud Nine Lounge at Addis Ababa before their flight.
Tips to Book Cheap Ethiopian Airlines Flights
- 1.Ethiopian Airlines is often the cheapest and most convenient way to connect between two African cities via its Addis Ababa 'Gateway to Africa' hub.
- 2.Book ADD–JFK and ADD–LHR fares 8–12 weeks ahead for the best long-haul pricing.
- 3.Ethiopian Business Class fares on 787 and A350 aircraft are frequently more affordable than comparable European or Gulf carrier business fares.
- 4.Consider routing through Addis Ababa when traveling between Asia and Africa, or Europe and Southern Africa — Ethiopian's network often beats competitors on price.
- 5.ShebaMiles Star Alliance status opens lounge access on 28 partner airlines worldwide — valuable for frequent Africa travelers.
- 6.Ethiopian Airlines operates one of the youngest fleets in Africa, so newer aircraft are common even on regional routes.
- 7.Check Ethiopian's fares against Kenya Airways and RwandAir for intra-African routes, and against Gulf carriers for long-haul connections.
- 8.Use FareOptic to compare Ethiopian Airlines fares across its full route network for the lowest available price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking Ethiopian Airlines flights on FareOptic
Why is Addis Ababa called the 'Gateway to Africa'?
Ethiopian Airlines' hub at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) connects dozens of African cities to each other that would otherwise have no direct link — earning it the nickname 'Gateway to Africa'. A traveler flying between, say, Lagos and Nairobi, or Accra and Johannesburg, will often route through Addis Ababa on Ethiopian's extensive intra-African network, which is the most comprehensive on the continent.
Is Ethiopian Airlines a good airline?
Yes. Ethiopian Airlines is widely regarded as one of the best-run and most profitable airlines in Africa, and Africa's largest carrier by fleet size, revenue, and destinations served. It is a member of Star Alliance and operates a young, modern fleet including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350.
What cabin classes does Ethiopian Airlines offer?
Ethiopian Airlines offers Economy Class and Business Class. Business Class on long-haul 787 and A350 aircraft features fully lie-flat seating with direct aisle access, while Economy includes complimentary meals and seatback entertainment on long-haul routes.
What is ShebaMiles?
ShebaMiles is Ethiopian Airlines' frequent flyer program, named after the legendary Queen of Sheba. Members earn miles on Ethiopian flights and Star Alliance partner airlines, redeemable for flight awards, upgrades, and other benefits. The program has multiple tiers offering lounge access and priority services.
What are Ethiopian Airlines' main international routes?
From its Addis Ababa hub, Ethiopian Airlines flies non-stop to New York JFK, London Heathrow, Dubai, Beijing, and dozens of other cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, alongside its unmatched intra-African network linking hubs like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg.
What is Ethiopian Airlines' baggage policy?
Economy passengers typically receive 23kg of checked baggage, while Business Class passengers receive 32kg per bag. Carry-on allowance is 7kg across cabins. Baggage allowances can vary by route and fare type, so always confirm at ethiopianairlines.com before you fly.