Ethiopian Airlines generated 4.4 billion U.S. dollars in revenue during the first six months of the Ethiopian fiscal year, which began on July 8, 2025, marking a 14 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.
Speaking at a briefing in Addis Ababa on Feb. 10, 2026, Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew said the airline’s performance was driven by network expansion, growth in passenger and freight services, and the addition of modern aircraft to its fleet.
The national carrier, which operates 170 aircraft, recorded 333,600 flight hours and transported more than 10 million passengers across over 145 international destinations during the period. Tasew disclosed that three new destinations were launched, seven aircraft were added to the fleet, and 10.64 million passengers were carried.
Cargo operations also saw significant growth, with 451,000 tonnes transported — a 19 per cent rise year-on-year. However, the CEO highlighted operational challenges, including aircraft shortages, adverse weather conditions, global conflicts and broader economic uncertainty. He also noted that U.S. visa restrictions under President Donald Trump, limiting entry and visa issuance for certain travellers, particularly from Africa, had affected the airline’s operations.