Addis Ababa / Port Louis, September 4, 2026. Ethiopian Airlines has confirmed the extension of its direct service between Addis Ababa and Mauritius through late December 2026. Inaugurated on July 13, the three-times-weekly route now stretches through the island's peak tourist season.
A Strategic Connection for the Indian Ocean
The Addis Ababa–Mauritius (ADD–MRU) route operates three times a week, offering travelers from sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas a direct connection to the island via Addis Ababa hub — one of the continent's busiest airports. Ethiopian Airlines serves more than 140 destinations worldwide, making Addis Ababa a strategic transfer point for transit passengers.
The decision to extend the service beyond the summer confirms the commercial viability of the route. The Ethiopian carrier had initially planned an experimental service until September; the extension through late December now covers the entirety of Mauritius's peak tourist season, which runs from October to January.
An Opportunity for Tourism and Business
For Mauritius, this route opens a direct corridor to East African and Ethiopian markets, both in strong growth. The island is seeking to diversify its tourist arrivals beyond Europe — which still accounts for the majority of visitors — toward African and Asian markets. In 2025, arrivals from sub-Saharan Africa grew by more than 18%, a momentum this direct service is well-positioned to amplify.
For Mauritian business travelers, a direct connection to Addis Ababa also opens easier access to Ethiopia, one of East Africa's most dynamic markets with growth projected at over 7% in 2026, according to the World Bank.
A Positive Signal for Regional Connectivity
The extension of this route fits a broader trend: after difficult post-Covid years for aviation, major African carriers are relaunching their island networks. Ethiopian Airlines, which has established itself as Africa's leading airline with a fleet of over 130 aircraft, is strengthening its presence in the Indian Ocean area, where it also operates services to Madagascar and the Seychelles.
Why It Matters
Every sustained new route to Mauritius is more than just a scheduling entry: it is a direct revenue stream for hotels, travel agencies, and the entire tourism chain. As Mauritius aims to welcome 2 million tourists per year by 2027, maintaining and diversifying air connections is as critical a competitiveness lever as tax reforms or infrastructure investments.