In a significant step for international connectivity and healthcare collaboration, Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, has inaugurated direct flights between Hyderabad and Addis Ababa. Operating three times a week, these flights are expected to enhance access for patients, professionals, and medical tourists from across Africa to Hyderabad, which has grown into a leading destination for advanced medical care.
Previously, many African nationals relied on Dubai for transit, making journeys longer and more cumbersome. Now, with Addis Ababa serving as a key aviation hub, the new route opens seamless connectivity not only to multiple African nations but also to Europe and North America.
The Telangana government has reported a dramatic rise in medical tourism, with international patient arrivals to the state more than doubling over the last decade—reaching 1.55 lakh in 2024. A significant portion of this growth comes from eastern African nations seeking specialised treatments in Hyderabad’s world-class hospitals, known for excellence in cardiology, oncology, nephrology, and organ transplants at competitive costs.
Beyond just patients, the new air link is expected to benefit medical professionals, students, and healthcare investors. The route could pave the way for future collaboration between Ethiopian Airlines and Hyderabad’s healthcare ecosystem, including joint medical conferences, training programs, and cross-border research initiatives.