Etihad Airways Celebrates 20 Years of Connecting Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg
Etihad Airways is marking a major milestone in Africa as it celebrates 20 years of flights connecting Abu Dhabi with Johannesburg. The South African city is one of the airline’s longest-standing gateways on the continent and a strategically important market within Etihad’s rapidly expanding global network.
Since launching the route in 2005, Etihad has carried nearly two million passengers between the UAE and South Africa, strengthening cultural, business, and tourism links between the two nations. In 2025 alone, the airline transported more than 100,000 guests on the route, reflecting sustained demand and the market’s ongoing significance.
Etihad’s services to Johannesburg provide non-stop access to Abu Dhabi, as well as seamless onward connections to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, North America, the Indian Subcontinent, and the Asia Pacific via Zayed International Airport.
Passengers can also travel onward to key cities such as Jeddah, Istanbul, Mumbai, Bangkok, and Phuket, highlighting the route’s role as a vital gateway to Etihad’s global network.
Javier Alija, Vice President of Global Sales & Distribution at Etihad Airways, commented: “Johannesburg has been a cornerstone of our African network for two decades. The continued strong performance in both passenger and corporate travel underscores the long-standing relationship between the UAE and South Africa. Africa remains a key pillar of our global strategy, and we are proud to support this dynamic market as part of our wider Journey 2030 ambitions.”
Etihad’s African network has grown alongside the Johannesburg milestone, with new services recently launched to Tunis, Addis Ababa, and Nairobi. Established routes to Casablanca and Cairo continue to perform strongly, while the airline’s strategic partnership with Ethiopian Airlines further expands connectivity across the continent.
The Johannesburg route continues to show robust growth in corporate travel, with revenue in 2025 increasing by more than 50 per cent year-on-year, supported by strong UAE–South Africa economic ties and Abu Dhabi’s position as a global business hub.
As Etihad marks 20 years of flying to Johannesburg, the airline remains committed to deepening its presence in Africa through enhanced services, broader partnerships, and an expanded network to meet rising demand across the continent.
