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My Journey to Ethiopia

Am I the only one who gets super excited right before walking through TSA and documenting every little detail? Because yo girl was stoked about this one.

Standing inside Atlanta’s international terminal, passport in hand, coffee nearby, camera ready — I could already feel the shift. My beloved and one of my favorite countries, Ethiopia, and I was officially on my way.

There’s something sacred about that moment at the gate. Watching travelers from all over the world gather in one place. Hearing different languages. Feeling that quiet anticipation before boarding. It always reminds me how powerful travel really is.

Why You Should Fly Ethiopian Airlines

This was my second time traveling to Ethiopia, and once again I chose Ethiopian Airlines (EAL). It’s Africa’s largest airline group and consistently holds its title as the continent’s top carrier — but it didn’t start that way.

Here’s a quick history lesson

Ethiopian Airlines was founded in December 1945 through a partnership between Emperor Haile Selassie I and Trans World Airlines (TWA), officially launching operations on April 8, 1946. With early U.S. technical support, its first international routes connected Addis Ababa to Cairo, Aden, and Djibouti.

What began as a small domestic carrier flying DC-3 aircraft quickly evolved into a global powerhouse and Star Alliance member — pioneering jet travel in Africa. Over the decades, Ethiopian Airlines became the first African airline to operate several major aircraft models, including the Boeing 767-200ER, 777-200LR, and the 787 Dreamliner.

Under its “Vision 2025” strategy, the airline grew into Africa’s largest aviation group, now serving more than 145 international passenger and cargo destinations with one of the youngest fleets in the world.

As of 2026, Ethiopian Airlines is recognized as a top-tier global carrier focused on technology, rapid expansion, and cargo services. The airline reported $4.4 billion in revenue for the first half of the 2025/2026 fiscal year and plans to launch daily Manila flights on March 29, 2026. It’s also expanding its Dreamliner fleet and opening a new $80 million headquarters in August 2026.

Even bigger? In January, Ethiopian Airlines announced construction of the $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, located about 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa. With four runways and capacity for 110 million passengers annually by 2030, this project is designed to relieve congestion at Bole International Airport and support Ethiopia’s growing role as a global aviation hub.

So yes, this isn’t just an airline. It’s a movement. An economic shift. A vision for Africa’s future. And honestly, if you’re traveling to East Africa or anywhere on the continent, booking directly with Ethiopian Airlines means becoming part of that history.

My Experience | In-Flight Report

Every journey matters and Ethiopian Airlines makes sure you feel at home from the moment you board.

From the warm welcome to the personalized mini travel gift bag and blanket, you’re immersed in Ethiopian culture right away. What stood out most to me were the subtle design touches: the seat coverings and flooring feature floral symbols with deep meaning. The yellow Adey Abeba (Meskel flower) represents renewal, hope, and the Ethiopian New Year (Enkutatash), while the white Calla Lily, recognized as Ethiopia’s national flower - symbolizes peace, purity, and holiness.

Those little details? They matter.

Like most long-haul flights, EAL provides amenity kits with toiletries and personal care items, which always sweetens the journey for me.

Now let’s talk about food…

I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed the meals. I was hoping for authentic Ethiopian dishes like injera with stews (that experience lives in Cloud 9, their business class), but even in Economy, the meals were fresh and filling, with two main-course options, sandwiches, breakfast service and yes, unlimited wine.

Entertainment options

The in-flight entertainment was modern and diverse, offering Hollywood films, international movies, TV shows, music, and games. I didn’t find much that personally pulled me in, so I ended up reading magazines I brought onboard and resting to make up for the long 14-hour direct flight.

And then came Addis

We landed right at sunrise.

The sky opened up in rich blues, oranges, and magenta - and I literally cried in my seat. It was the most beautiful welcome into East Africa. Truly designed by God. I felt blessed and privileged to witness that moment. Pictures don’t even come close to doing it justice, but I tried anyway.

After landing at Bole International Airport, I realized something wild: I had no hotel booked. No ground transportation. No solid plans. And somehow… that excited me.

Growing up in a major U.S. city, I’ve always been an adventurer at heart. Finding something to do and somewhere to be in a foreign country feels natural to me. I know most people need a plan when they travel — and I respect that, but me? I move with curiosity. (Okay, I don’t actually laugh in the face of danger… but you get it.)

Stay tuned to learn what happens next…

Resources (for the curious)

If you’d like to learn more about Ethiopian Airlines:

EthiopiaCourtnie KeithEthiopia, Ethiopian Airlines, Travel to EthiopiaComment