Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines guide with airline codes, Addis Ababa hub, fleet, cabins, baggage, check-in, ShebaMiles, lounges and airport transportation.
- Aircraft
- 170
- Destinations
- 160
- Hub
- ADD
- Alliance
- Star Alliance
Landing with Ethiopian Airlines?
Pick your arrival airport. Fixed price, and a driver in arrivals with your name on a sign.
About Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines is the national airline of Ethiopia, operated by Ethiopian Airlines Group. It was founded on 21 December 1945 and flew its first scheduled service, to Cairo via Asmara, on 8 April 1946. Its head office is at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and it has been a member of Star Alliance since December 2011.
Its hub is Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD), where international flights use Terminal 2. From Addis Ababa it serves more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations on five continents, with a dense network across Africa and long-haul routes to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas. Partner airlines in Lomé, Lilongwe, Lusaka and Kinshasa feed its network inside Africa.
The fleet of about 170 aircraft combines the Airbus A350, Boeing 787, 777 and 737, and De Havilland Q400 turboprops, plus Boeing 777 freighters.
Schedules, aircraft assignments, terminals and fare rules can change. Confirm operational details directly with Ethiopian Airlines before travel.
Where Ethiopian Airlines flies
Routes and frequencies change with the season. Some flights sold with an ET flight number are operated by Star Alliance or codeshare partners; check the "operated by" line when you book.
Africa
More than 60 African cities, including Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Cairo, Lagos, Accra and Zanzibar, plus Mauritius three times a week, with a domestic network across Ethiopia.
Europe and the Middle East
Cities including London, Paris, Frankfurt, Brussels, Rome, Milan, Madrid and Istanbul, and Gulf cities such as Doha and Dubai.
Asia
India (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad), China, Hong Kong and Manila, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and Tokyo Narita via Seoul Incheon.
The Americas
Washington Dulles, Chicago O'Hare, the New York area and Toronto in North America, and São Paulo and Buenos Aires in South America. Some US flights stop in West Africa on the way.
Ethiopian Airlines fleet
Ethiopian Airlines flies a mixed Airbus and Boeing fleet of about 170 aircraft, including freighters. The aircraft shown at booking is not guaranteed until departure.
Airbus A350
The A350-900 and A350-1000 fly long-haul routes, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and Seoul and Tokyo.
Boeing 787 and 777
The 787-8 and 787-9 and the 777-300ER and 777-200LR operate long-haul and high-demand medium-haul routes to Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa.
Boeing 737
The 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 fly regional routes across Africa and the Middle East.
De Havilland Q400
Turboprops on domestic and short regional routes, with an Economy-only cabin.
Ethiopian Cargo
A dedicated freighter fleet, including Boeing 777 freighters, operated by the airline's cargo division.
Ethiopian Airlines cabin classes
Cabins depend on the aircraft and route. Check the seat map and fare conditions before you buy.
Cloud Nine
Ethiopian's business class, offered on most flights. Seat type depends on the aircraft.
Economy Class
The standard cabin on every flight, and the only cabin on Q400 turboprops. Fare types differ in baggage and change conditions.
Practical information
BaggageCabin bags, checked bags, missing luggage
Ethiopian Airlines baggage allowances depend on the cabin, the route, the fare and ShebaMiles or Star Alliance status. Your exact allowance is shown in your booking.
Economy passengers can bring one carry-on bag of up to 7 kg (15 lb) and 55 x 40 x 23 cm. Cloud Nine passengers can bring two. A small personal item such as a handbag or laptop is allowed in addition.
Depending on the route, the allowance follows the piece system (for example, two bags of 23 kg in Economy on many routes) or the weight system. Each bag can measure up to 158 cm (62 in) in total dimensions. Star Alliance Gold members get an extra allowance.
Sports equipment, musical instruments, pets, oversized items and medical equipment follow separate rules. Check the official Ethiopian Airlines baggage page before you fly.
Check-in and boardingSteps before departure
Online check-in on ethiopianairlines.com or the Ethiopian Airlines app opens 48 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before departure. Airport check-in deadlines vary by airport and are longer at some European airports.
Confirm the operating airline, airport and terminal.
Review passport, visa and transit requirements for your destination and for Ethiopia if you connect in Addis Ababa.
Check in online or in the app as soon as it opens.
Download the mobile boarding pass or print it.
Allow time for bag drop, security and immigration, and follow the counter closing time for your departure airport.
Lounges
At Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, Ethiopian operates the Cloud Nine Lounge for business-class passengers and the ShebaMiles Platinum Lounge, both in Terminal 2 near Gate A13. Transit passengers with a long connection may be eligible for a stay at the Ethiopian Skylight in-terminal hotel. Access to lounges in other airports depends on cabin, ShebaMiles or Star Alliance status, and the itinerary.
Loyalty program
ShebaMiles is Ethiopian Airlines' loyalty program. Members earn miles on Ethiopian and other Star Alliance flights and with partners, and redeem them for flights and upgrades. Program rules change, so check your account for the conditions that apply to your trip.
Flight status and customer serviceOfficial sources
For current operational information, use Ethiopian Airlines' official services:
ethiopianairlines.com for booking, check-in, trip management and flight status
Available for iOS and Android, with mobile check-in and boarding passes
Ethiopian Airlines airports
All Ethiopian Airlines long-haul flights connect through Addis Ababa. International flights use Terminal 2 at Bole International Airport and domestic flights use Terminal 1. Check the terminal on your ticket before you book a transfer.
Ethiopian Airlines' hub and head office. International arrivals, departures and transfers use Terminal 2, where connecting passengers stay inside the secure area between flights.
Book a transfer →Airport detailsAirport transportation for Ethiopian Airlines passengers
Public transport, authorized taxis, shared shuttles or a pre-booked private transfer. Arriving long-haul or with a lot of luggage is the case for booking ahead: fixed price, and a driver in arrivals with your name on a sign.
Airport Transportation is an independent platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ethiopian Airlines.
Ethiopian Airlines FAQs
What are Ethiopian Airlines' airline codes?
Ethiopian Airlines' IATA code is ET, its ICAO code is ETH, and its callsign is ETHIOPIAN.
What is Ethiopian Airlines' main hub?
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) in Ethiopia. Most Ethiopian long-haul journeys connect there.
Is Ethiopian Airlines part of Star Alliance?
Yes. Ethiopian Airlines has been a Star Alliance member since December 2011.
What is Ethiopian Airlines' frequent-flyer program?
ShebaMiles.
Which terminal does Ethiopian Airlines use in Addis Ababa?
International flights use Terminal 2 at Bole International Airport, and domestic flights use Terminal 1. Confirm on your boarding pass before travel.
Does Ethiopian Airlines fly to the United States?
Yes. Ethiopian flies from Addis Ababa to Washington Dulles, Chicago O'Hare and the New York area. Some New York-area flights stop in Lomé or Abidjan.
Does Ethiopian Airlines fly to Cancún or Mexico?
No. Ethiopian Airlines does not fly to Mexico. Its destinations in the Americas are in the United States, Canada, Brazil and Argentina.
Does Ethiopian Airlines fly to Mauritius?
Yes. Ethiopian flies between Addis Ababa and Mauritius three times a week.
Does Ethiopian Airlines fly to Tokyo?
Yes. Ethiopian flies from Addis Ababa to Tokyo Narita with a stop in Seoul Incheon.
When does Ethiopian Airlines online check-in open?
Online check-in opens 48 hours before departure and closes 2 hours before departure. Airport counter closing times vary by airport.
What size carry-on can I bring on Ethiopian Airlines?
Each carry-on bag can measure up to 55 x 40 x 23 cm and weigh up to 7 kg (15 lb). Economy passengers can bring one and Cloud Nine passengers two, plus a small personal item.
Is Airport Transportation affiliated with Ethiopian Airlines?
No. Airport Transportation is an independent transportation-booking platform and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ethiopian Airlines.
Information reviewed in October 2026. Airline schedules, fleet figures, baggage rules and passenger services are subject to change.