Jazeera Airways Launches Inaugural Direct Flight to Ethiopia

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 10, 2026

Jazeera Airways launched its first direct flight between Kuwait and Addis Ababa on September 9, operating three weekly services to enhance travel between the two countries. The new route aims to improve connectivity for Kuwait’s large Ethiopian community while boosting tourism, trade, and bilateral relations between Kuwait and East Africa.

Jazeera Airways, Kuwait’s leading low-cost airline, commenced its inaugural direct flight between Kuwait and Addis Ababa on September 9, launching a new route that enhances air connectivity between the two countries. The flight departed from Jazeera Terminal 5 (T5) in Kuwait City, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Ethiopian Ambassador to Kuwait H.E. Dr. Sied Muhumed Jibril and Naser Fahad Alobaid, Chief Executive – Government Affairs and CEO of Terminal 5 at Jazeera Airways.

The new service is designed to facilitate travel for the substantial Ethiopian community residing in Kuwait, which numbers over 70,000 people, providing them with easier access to their home country. Beyond serving individual travelers, the route aims to bolster bilateral ties by promoting tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.

Ambassador Dr. Jibril highlighted the significance of the direct flight, calling it a milestone in the longstanding relationship between Ethiopia and Kuwait. He noted that improved air connectivity is instrumental in fostering closer ties between nations and communities. “We believe this route will contribute to stronger tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchange, while making travel more convenient for the large Ethiopian community in Kuwait,” he said.

From the carrier’s perspective, Paul Carroll, Chief Commercial Officer of Jazeera Airways, emphasized Addis Ababa’s strategic importance as a gateway to East Africa. He noted that the new destination supports business, leisure travel, and the carrier’s broader expansion plans on the continent. “Addis Ababa is an important addition to our growing network as the first and one of the most strategic destinations in Eastern Africa,” Carroll said. “As we continue to expand, we see Africa as a significant growth market, with Addis Ababa strengthening our presence on the continent while giving passengers convenient access through Kuwait to other destinations.”

Jazeera Airways will operate the Kuwait–Addis Ababa route three times weekly. Tickets for the service are available through the airline’s website and mobile application. This development reflects a growing trend among Gulf carriers to expand connections with African markets, driven by increasing economic and social links.

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