Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Ethiopian Airlines’ Bold New Route to Lyon: A Game-Changer for African Tourism and France’s Cultural Renaissance!
Published on
January 7, 2026
Ethiopian Airlines is set to launch a new route connecting Addis Ababa with Lyon, France, starting 2 July 2026. This move is expected to significantly boost tourism links between Africa and Europe. The new service will provide three weekly flights, operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Airbus A350‑900 aircraft. With this new connection, passengers traveling from Europe to Ethiopia and vice versa will enjoy more convenient flight options, supporting tourism and business exchanges between both regions.
The launch of the Lyon route marks a major milestone in Ethiopian Airlines’ strategy to expand its European footprint. This new service will be particularly beneficial for Lyon, a city renowned for its culture, gastronomy, and UNESCO-listed heritage. Lyon is already a popular destination among international travelers, and this new air link is expected to drive even more tourism to the city, especially from Ethiopia and the broader African continent.
Lyon, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is famous for its historical landmarks, vibrant cultural scene, and world-class cuisine. Known as the culinary capital of France, it attracts tourists from all over the world. The addition of Ethiopian Airlines to Lyon’s list of connected cities will enhance the city’s appeal, especially for African travelers looking for easier access to one of France’s most prominent cultural centers.
Ethiopian Airlines’ new service will also help Lyon strengthen its position as a regional business hub, promoting trade between France and Ethiopia. The direct flight will provide African business travelers with greater ease of access to Lyon’s key industries, while French businesses will benefit from the opportunity to tap into Ethiopia’s growing market.
In a statement, Ethiopian Airlines emphasized the importance of increasing connectivity to cities like Lyon, which offer a combination of both business and leisure travel opportunities. The airline’s three weekly flights will not only benefit tourism but also create a vital link for cultural exchanges and economic collaboration. French and African travelers will now have more convenient options for exploring each other’s regions, which will lead to increased tourism flows and stronger ties between both countries.
The new route will also support Ethiopia’s ambitious tourism growth plan. With this flight, Ethiopian Airlines aims to showcase Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage to French tourists. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela and the Simien Mountains National Park, which attract travelers from around the globe. This air link will make it easier for French tourists to explore Ethiopia’s diverse cultural landscape, from its ancient history to its vibrant modern culture.
Tourism authorities in both Ethiopia and France view this development as a significant boost to their respective economies. Ethiopian Ministry of Culture and Tourism officials have expressed excitement about the potential for increased visitor numbers, as the new flight will make Ethiopia a more accessible destination for French and European tourists. This increased flow of tourists is expected to lead to higher hotel occupancy rates, more bookings with local tour operators, and greater economic activity in Ethiopian tourist destinations.
From the French perspective, the new air link reinforces the French government’s objectives to diversify the country’s tourism offerings. By attracting more tourists from Africa, the government aims to promote regional tourism destinations like Lyon, which often get overshadowed by the more famous Paris. The flight to Lyon presents an opportunity to highlight the region’s unique offerings, from its Renaissance architecture to its renowned food scene.
The airline’s move aligns with its ongoing expansion of services across Europe and beyond. Ethiopian Airlines already connects Paris, Marseille, and several other European cities to Addis Ababa, further emphasizing its commitment to improving global connectivity. By focusing on both the tourism and business sectors, the airline plays a crucial role in shaping the future of international travel between Africa and Europe.
For the local tourism industry in Lyon, the introduction of Ethiopian Airlines is expected to drive the development of new partnerships and collaborative marketing efforts. Travel agencies and tour operators in both regions are already preparing to offer travel packages that combine both destinations, highlighting the cultural and historical attractions of Ethiopia alongside the charm of Lyon. This will open up new opportunities for travelers seeking unique and immersive travel experiences across two continents.
Ethiopian Airlines’ new service to Lyon is more than just a flight route; it is a catalyst for increased tourism, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation between Ethiopia and France. The enhanced connectivity will help strengthen ties between the two countries, encourage more tourism, and create new opportunities for collaboration. For both Lyon and Addis Ababa, the launch of this route represents a promising future for tourism and mutual growth.
