Maldives and Ethiopia Sign Air Services Agreement, Opening Path for Direct Flights
- The Maldives and Ethiopia signed an air services agreement and MOU enabling direct flights between the two countries.
- Ethiopian Airlines has expressed interest in operating Addis Ababa-Maldives routes, though no timetable has been confirmed.
- Ethiopia becomes the sixth African country to conclude such an agreement, supporting government efforts to boost tourism.
The Maldives and Ethiopia have established a framework for scheduled direct air services, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and passenger connectivity between the two countries.
The governments signed an air services agreement alongside a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in air transport. Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen signed the agreements on behalf of the Maldives, while Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority Director General Yohannes Abera Belete represented Ethiopia.
The agreement enables airlines from both countries to operate direct services between the Maldives and Ethiopia. However, the signing does not itself confirm the launch of a route or provide a timetable for flights.
Ethiopian Airlines has expressed interest in operating direct flights between Addis Ababa and the Maldives, according to the Tourism Ministry. The agreement also provides a framework for Maldivian, the Maldives’ national carrier, to operate services to Ethiopia.
Ethiopia is the sixth African country to conclude an air services agreement with the Maldives. Similar agreements have previously been established with Egypt, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles and South Africa.
The ministry said potential services by Ethiopian Airlines could improve the Maldives’ access to the carrier’s wider network. The airline operates an extensive network from its hub in Addis Ababa.
Minister Ameen said greater international air connectivity forms part of government efforts to increase tourist arrivals, expand the tourism industry and strengthen economic activity. He also called on tourism businesses and the wider commercial sector to pursue opportunities created by the agreement.
