Abu Dhabi, UAE – Etihad Airways is marking 20 years of operations between Abu Dhabi and Johannesburg, one of the airline's longest-serving routes in Africa. Services on the route began in 2005, making Johannesburg a long-established destination within the airline's African network.
Since the route's launch, Etihad has carried close to two million passengers between the UAE and South Africa. In 2025, more than 100,000 passengers travelled on the service, according to the airline.
Etihad operates nonstop flights between Johannesburg and Abu Dhabi, providing onward connections through Zayed International Airport to destinations across the Middle East, Europe, North America, the Indian Subcontinent and Asia-Pacific. From Abu Dhabi, passengers can connect to cities including Jeddah, Istanbul, Mumbai, Bangkok and Phuket. The route is also supported by Etihad's partnerships across Southern Africa, which provide additional regional connectivity.
Javier Alija, Vice President Global Sales and Distribution at Etihad Airways, said Johannesburg has remained an important market within the airline's African network, supported by both leisure and corporate travel demand. He added that Africa continues to form part of Etihad's long-term network planning.
Network Developments in Africa
The Johannesburg milestone comes as Etihad continues to expand its presence across Africa. Over the past year, the airline has launched new services to Tunis, Addis Ababa and Nairobi, while maintaining existing routes to destinations such as Casablanca and Cairo.
Etihad's partnership with Ethiopian Airlines has also broadened its reach within the continent, providing additional connecting options beyond the airline's own network.
Corporate Travel Performance
Etihad reported continued growth in corporate travel on the Johannesburg route, with corporate revenue in 2025 increasing by more than 50 percent compared with the previous year. The airline cited strong economic links between the UAE and South Africa and Abu Dhabi's role as a regional business hub as contributing factors.
As it marks two decades of service to Johannesburg, Etihad says it plans to continue developing its African network through additional routes, partnerships and service enhancements.
