Ethiopian Airlines to Expand Network in France with New Route to Lyon Starting in July
Ethiopian Airlines announced the launch of a new scheduled passenger service to Lyon, France, set to begin operations on July 2, 2026. The African carrier will introduce this connection with a frequency of three weekly flights, operating the route via Geneva, Switzerland, as part of its expansion strategy in the European market.
The addition of Lyon represents a significant step within the company’s sustained growth and strengthens its position in one of the key countries for its international operations.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, emphasized the strategic importance of this launch, stating: “We are delighted to expand our presence in France by adding Lyon to our extensive global network. France has long been a key market for Ethiopian Airlines, and with over five decades of connecting the country with Africa and beyond, we remain committed to enhancing our services to and from France and the region, facilitating trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties.”
The executive also highlighted that, in addition to improving connectivity, this route will allow travelers to efficiently access destinations worldwide, aligning with the goal of offering reliable, comfortable, and high-quality travel experiences.
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A Third French City in Ethiopian Airlines’ Network
With the start of this new route, Ethiopian Airlines will expand its presence in France to three destinations, adding Lyon to its existing services to Paris and Marseille. This expansion consolidates the airline’s footprint in the country and strengthens connectivity between Europe and Africa.
The company noted that this new operation will improve links to and from the region, offering seamless connections through its global network and facilitating passenger access to multiple international destinations.
Europe-Africa Connectivity as a Core Focus
Ethiopian Airlines continues to play a key role as an air bridge between Europe and Africa, providing seamless links to more than 65 African destinations. These operations are conducted with a fleet composed of young, state-of-the-art aircraft, supporting its focus on efficiency and modernization.
The airline maintains a steady pace of growth, having recently added new destinations in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, thereby extending the reach of its international network.
The launch of the Lyon route reflects Ethiopian Airlines’ long-term vision in Europe, particularly in France, where the company has maintained an active presence for over fifty years. This new service not only expands options for passengers but also reinforces economic and cultural ties between the two continents.
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