Two Decades of Connectivity: How Etihad Airways Built Its Abu Dhabi–Johannesburg Route

Etihad Airways is marking a major airline route milestone in Africa. The carrier is celebrating 20 years of service on its Abu Dhabi–Johannesburg flights. This route is one of the airline's longest-standing African connections. Services began in December 2005, making Johannesburg a key destination.

Since the launch, Etihad Airways has carried almost two million passengers. This travel is between the UAE and South Africa. In 2025 alone, over 100,000 guests flew the route. This performance underscores the route's enduring significance.

A Strategic Gateway to Africa

Etihad operates nonstop services to Johannesburg. These flights provide direct access to Abu Dhabi. Passengers connect onward through Zayed International Airport. This hub links travelers to global destinations. These include the Middle East, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Key connecting cities are Jeddah, Istanbul, Mumbai, Bangkok, and Phuket.

The airline is introducing daily Boeing 787 services on this route. This upgrade reflects the strong demand. It also enhances the premium travel experience. The Abu Dhabi–Johannesburg flights are supported by regional partnerships. These agreements provide smoother regional connectivity across Southern Africa.

Corporate Travel Drives Growth

The Johannesburg route shows robust performance in corporate travel. Etihad corporate travel revenue increased significantly in 2025. The airline reported a year-on-year increase of more than 50%. This growth is fueled by strong UAE South Africa economic links. Abu Dhabi's role as a regional business hub also contributes.

Javier Alija, Vice President Global Sales and Distribution, commented on the market. He stated Johannesburg remains vital to the Etihad Africa network. This is due to both leisure and corporate travel demand. Alija added that Africa is a key pillar of the airline's long-term strategy.

Expanding Footprint and Partnerships

The 20-year milestone aligns with Etihad's broader African expansion. The airline plans to double its African network. Over the past year, new services were launched. These include flights to Tunis, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi. Established routes to Casablanca and Cairo are also maintained. This expansion strategy enhances the airline's continental presence.

A strategic joint venture with Ethiopian Airlines is central to this growth. This partnership includes a codeshare arrangement. It allows Etihad passengers access to 55 African destinations. These connections are available via Addis Ababa. This collaboration strengthens links between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.

• Etihad Airways aims to double its African destinations.
• The Boeing 787 is being introduced on the daily Johannesburg service.
• The Ethiopian Airlines partnership unlocks a vast African network.

This sustained investment signals Etihad Airways Johannesburg as a committed player. It reinforces the airline's position in the competitive African aviation market. The carrier plans to continue developing its network. This will include additional routes and service enhancements. For more insights into the industry, visit our commercial aviation news at flying.flights. The focus remains on meeting rising demand across the continent.