9 September 2026

Ethiopian Airlines Reports US$9.1 Billion Operating Revenue for 2025/26

Ethiopian Airlines Group generated US$9.1 billion in operating revenue during 2025/26 after transporting 20.7 million passengers and 897,000 tonnes of cargo. The airline also expanded its network and fleet while continuing work on Addis Ababa Bole and Bishoftu international airports.

Ethiopian Airlines executives and staff attend the carrier's annual performance briefing, with Ethiopian Airlines branding displayed on screen. — Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew presents the carrier's 2025/26 results during the group's annual performance briefing on 29 July 2026. [Ethiopian Investment Holdings]

Why this article matters
Ethiopian Airlines’ 20% revenue growth was accompanied by higher passenger activity, a 16% increase in cargo volumes and continued network expansion. The results provide a measurable view of the operating scale supporting the group’s fleet and infrastructure programmes.

With 150 international destinations, nine aircraft added during the year and six additional Boeing 787-9s now under firm order, the airline is preparing for further capacity growth while developing airport infrastructure beyond the limits of its existing Addis Ababa hub.

Of Interest
- Ethiopian Airlines generated US$9.1 billion in operating revenue during the 2025/26 financial year.
- Operating revenue increased by 20% year-on-year.
- The group transported 20.7 million passengers and 897,000 tonnes of cargo.
- Cargo volumes increased by 16%, while cargo capacity grew by 8%.
- Four international destinations were added, taking the international network to 150 destinations.
- Nine aircraft joined the fleet, while eight pilot-training aircraft were purchased.
- Six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners were converted into firm orders, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.
- Bishoftu International Airport’s first phase is planned to accommodate 60 million passengers annually after its expected completion in 2030.

Ethiopian Airlines Group generated US$9.1 billion in operating revenue during the 2025/26 financial year, representing a 20% increase from the previous year, according to Ethiopian Investment Holdings’ latest annual performance review of the state-owned aviation group.

The airline transported 20.7 million passengers and 897,000 tonnes of cargo during the year. Cargo volumes increased by 16%, while cargo capacity grew by 8%, according to information presented by Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew during the carrier’s annual performance briefing on 29 July 2026.

Passenger-kilometres increased by 10%, reaching 99% of the airline’s target for the year. Ethiopian added four international destinations, taking its international network to 150 destinations, alongside 25 domestic destinations.

Fleet development continued with nine aircraft added during the reporting period. The group also purchased eight pilot-training aircraft to expand the capacity of its aviation training operations.

Ethiopian Investment Holdings said the airline exceeded its cost-saving target by 65% through efficiency measures implemented during the year. Neither the EIH review nor the Ethiopian News Agency’s report from the results briefing disclosed a profit figure.

Operational performance was affected by flight cancellations linked to conflict in the Gulf region, the suspension of some services following United States travel restrictions and cancelled flights to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mesfin said stronger results during the first nine months helped sustain the group’s performance over the full year.

Alongside its airline operations, Ethiopian continued work at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, including expansion of the domestic terminal, passenger lounges, cargo terminal and data centre. EIH said the group was also progressing aircraft acquisition and regional airport development programmes.

Bishoftu International Airport remains central to the airline’s longer-term infrastructure plans. Construction officially commenced in January 2026 following the project’s groundbreaking, while the resettlement and livelihood restoration programme for affected communities has been completed. Ethiopian Airlines expects the first phase to be completed by 2030 with capacity for 60 million passengers annually. The airport’s planned capacity at full development is 110 million passengers a year.

During the financial year, Ethiopian also converted commitments for six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners into firm orders. Announced with Boeing in April 2026, the aircraft are intended to support intercontinental network expansion and additional belly-cargo capacity, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028.