Ethiopian Airlines Reports $4.4 Billion Half-Year Revenue, Passenger and Cargo Growth in FY2025/26
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier, reported $4.4 billion in revenue for the first six months of its 2025/26 financial year, representing a 14% year-on-year increase and exceeding internal forecasts.
Speaking in Addis Ababa, Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew Bekele said the airline’s half-year revenue was 2% above target and reflected sustained demand across its passenger and cargo businesses.
“In terms of revenue, we generated $4.4 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year. This is 2% higher than our plan and shows 14% growth compared to the same period last year,” Tasew said.
Passenger and Cargo Performance
During the reporting period, the airline carried 10.64 million passengers across its domestic and international network, reinforcing its role as a primary gateway between Africa and global markets.
Cargo operations also delivered strong results, with 451,000 tonnes transported over six months. The performance underscores Addis Ababa’s expanding role as a continental logistics hub.
Ethiopian Airlines currently serves 145 international destinations, including three new routes launched during the period, as part of its ongoing network expansion strategy.
Operational Headwinds
Despite the strong financial performance, Tasew highlighted growing operational challenges affecting the aviation sector.
These include aircraft supply constraints, adverse weather conditions, geopolitical tensions and broader global economic uncertainty.
He also cited the impact of U.S. visa and travel policies under President Donald Trump, which have restricted entry and limited visa issuance for certain travellers, particularly from Africa.
“U.S. policies have forced us to reschedule flights, reducing frequencies on some routes,” Tasew said, adding that domestic security issues have also posed operational challenges.
Vision 2035 Strategy
Despite external pressures, Ethiopian Airlines remains committed to its long-term Vision 2035 strategy a 15-year roadmap aimed at transforming the airline into a leading global aviation group.
The plan encompasses expansion across passenger services, cargo logistics, aviation training, airport management and ground handling operations.
The latest half-year results highlight the carrier’s resilience and continued growth momentum amid an increasingly complex global operating environment.
