Ethiopian Airlines is set to operate a three-times-weekly service from Gatwick to Addis Ababa this November.
The new route will launch on November 21 and be operated by A350-900 aircraft with business class and economy cabins. The flights will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays with the following schedule:
ET718 departs Addis Ababa at 0015, arrives in London Gatwick at 0515
ET719 departs London Gatwick at 1010, arrives at Addis Ababa at 2040
This will mark Gatwick’s first direct flight to the Ethiopian capital since 2006. The airport now offers more than 80 per cent of its pre-Covid long-haul routes, with 50 long-haul services on offer.
CEO Mesfin Tasew said:
“We have a 50-year relation with UK. We give high regards to our Heathrow services and now we are excited to add Gatwick to our vast global network. We are ready to stretch our reach to Gatwick and provide our renowned, award-winning services.
“History has it that we last served Gatwick in 2005 and 2006 using the Boeing 757. Now the route will be served by the most modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Over the years, we have established commendable partnerships with over 100 UK based companies in the aviation sector. Our expansion in the UK, among others, will enable us to nurture this cooperation and partnership to a higher level.”
Jonathan Pollard, CCO of London Gatwick, added:
“Returning to 50 long-haul routes is a milestone moment for London Gatwick. While we’re delighted to offer passengers such an expansive range of short-haul routes across Europe, we’re also proud to provide connections to an increasing range of destinations around the world.
“These services are vital not only for offering people across London and the South East an excellent choice of holiday locations, or for visiting family and friends, but also for supporting local and regional businesses. Whether that’s outbound trade or inbound tourism, growing London Gatwick’s long-haul network is crucial for economic opportunities across the region.
“We look forward to welcoming Ethiopian Airlines to London Gatwick. This is the latest in a number of carriers looking to operate long-haul routes from Gatwick, which further highlights the strong demand for slots at our airport.”
The flag carrier operates an existing daily service from London Heathrow, which we reviewed in 2019, as well as a five-times-weekly service between Manchester and Addis Ababa which routes via Geneva.
Last year the airline opened a five-star hotel at Addis Ababa Bole International airport:
