Also known as: Ethiopian Airlines Group
Ethiopian Airlines — Africa's leading airline operator, serving as strategic partner in Namibia's planned national carrier and commemorating 80 years of operations.
News reports
Order a long-term news report on Ethiopian Airlines
Every mention in the Namibian press over the period you choose, compiled as a PDF or Word document.
Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Ethiopian Airlines operates flight ET835 with all-female crew
“Today, more than a century later, that spirit continues as Ethiopian Airlines flight ET835 arrives here in Windhoek from Addis Ababa proudly operated by an all-female crew.”
Remarks by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on International Women’s Day at Hosea Kutako International AirportInformanté
Ethiopian Airlines brought Namibia's founding president Sam Nujoma home in 1989 after years in exile
“She recalled the airline's historic role in bringing Namibia's founding president, Sam Nujoma, home in 1989 after years in exile.”
Nandi-Ndaitwah highlights women in aviationNew Era
Ethiopian Airlines Group officially commenced construction of Bishoftu International Airport
“On Saturday 10 January 2026, Ethiopian Airlines Group officially commenced construction of Bishoftu International Airport, which the airline stated stands as a defining project for both Ethiopia and African aviation, facilitating trade, tourism, and people-to-people interactions within Africa and beyond.”
Ethiopia’s new airport instrumental to Africa’s free tradeThe Namibian
Ethiopian Airlines is testament to success of a national airline
“A national airline is the pride and joy of every country, and Ethiopian Airlines is testament to this.”
Bring Back Air Namibia – But Do It RightEthiopia's army says it repelled attacks from Tigrayan forces and allies in Amhara region near the Tigray border, marking the first military statement since fighting erupted on Wednesday. Tensions have escalated sharply between the federal government and Tigrayan leaders, raising fears of renewed civil war after a devastating 2020–2022 conflict.
25 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Ethiopia's army says it repelled attacks from Tigrayan forces and allies in Amhara region near the Tigray border, marking the first military statement since fighting erupted on Wednesday. Tensions have escalated sharply between the federal government and Tigrayan leaders, raising fears of renewed civil war after a devastating 2020–2022 conflict.
25 September 2026 · The Namibian →
Ethiopia's government and Tigrayan authorities have accused each other of launching offensives, escalating fears of renewed full-scale conflict after their two-year war ended in 2022. The clashes follow recent months of mutual accusations of violating a peace deal.
24 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The Independent Patriots for Change have called for Jonas Sheelongo, executive director in the ministry of works and transport, to be removed from all negotiations and planning structures involved in establishing Namibia's proposed new national airline, citing concerns about his record at Air Namibia.
22 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
An editorial argues that Namibia's proposed national airline must balance legitimate demands of sovereignty against the reality that expertise cannot be manufactured overnight. The piece notes that discussions with Ethiopian Airlines and other stakeholders are continuing with no binding agreement concluded, and emphasises that Namibian expertise and national interests must remain central to the chosen model.
4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Ministry of Works and Transport has rejected a leaked document circulating about Namibia Air's engagement with Ethiopian Airlines, stating it is not official or authorised and does not reflect any concluded agreement. The Ministry said discussions with Ethiopian Airlines and other stakeholders remain ongoing as Government assesses viable models for operationalising the proposed national airline.
2 September 2026 · Informanté →
The Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines on strategic and technical cooperation to restart a national airline, while stressing that no binding commitments have been made and that Namibian expertise and national interests remain central. The ministry is consulting with local aviation operators to avoid the mistakes that led to Air Namibia's financial collapse.
2 September 2026 · The Namibian →
The ministry of works and transport has distanced itself from a leaked document about proposed engagements between Namibia and Ethiopian Airlines over establishing a new national carrier, saying it does not recognise the document as an official or accurate reflection of its positions. The ministry confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines are continuing alongside consultations with local aviation operators and other stakeholders.
2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
A Windhoek Observer columnist argues that while Namibia must retain strategic control of its national airline, it should not refuse assistance from Ethiopian Airlines—which has built Africa's strongest aviation operation—simply on grounds of sovereignty. The piece contends that commercial sustainability requires learning from experienced partners in aircraft procurement, fleet management, training, and operations.
1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Ethiopian Airlines has indicated that management control would be a condition for any equity partnership with Namibia's planned national airline, Namibia Air. The revelation raises concerns over aviation sovereignty and the financial viability of the carrier, which the government aims to launch in December 2026.
1 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The Independent Patriots for Change has raised concerns over Namibia Air's five-year Air Operating Licence, warning that the approval does not guarantee the airline's readiness to commence commercial operations. IPC shadow minister Nelson Kalangula cautioned against repeating failures of the former national carrier Air Namibia, questioning the government's timeline to launch commercial flights in December and distinguishing between an Air Operating Licence and an Air Operator Certificate.
7 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
Five years after Air Namibia's collapse, Namibia Air has filed aviation licence applications to operate passenger and cargo services domestically, regionally and internationally, with the government aiming to launch the fully operational joint airline with Botswana by the end of 2026 and Ethiopian Airlines as the strategic operating partner.
22 July 2026 · New Era →
Namibia Air (Pty) Ltd has proposed one-way ticket prices below N$2,000 on regional routes, with Windhoek-Johannesburg flights estimated at N$1,881.88 and Windhoek-Cape Town at approximately N$1,939.08, excluding airport taxes and security charges. The carrier is seeking Transport Commission approval to operate scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and cargo services, with actual fares to vary by demand, booking periods, and operational factors under a dynamic pricing model.
22 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →
The government, through Namibia Air, is planning to acquire seven aircraft valued at N$594 million to launch the new airline by late 2026, following Air Namibia's liquidation. The airline has applied for licenses to operate scheduled and charter flights domestically, regionally, and internationally.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia and Botswana plan to launch a joint national airline by the end of this year, with Ethiopian Airlines as a strategic partner. The airline aims to create roughly 700 direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs, starting with domestic routes before expanding to regional and international markets.
8 May 2026 · New Era →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah delivered remarks on International Women's Day highlighting Namibia's strides in women's emancipation, including the recent swearing-in of the first female Supreme Court judge and the women's national soccer team's Cosafa Cup victory. She also commended an all-female Ethiopian Airlines crew, noting that women now lead nations, advance science and shape industries in ways once unimaginable.
11 March 2026 · The Namibian →
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah joined Ethiopian Airlines at Hosea Kutako International Airport to commemorate the airline's 80th anniversary and celebrate International Women's Day, highlighting women's growing role in aviation and progress toward gender equality. She pointed to Namibia's milestones including female leadership in government and sectors such as medicine, engineering and aviation, and noted that an all-female Ethiopian Airlines crew arrival sends a powerful message to young girls about career opportunities.
10 March 2026 · Informanté →
Namibia recorded 1.26 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, a 45.5% increase from 2023, with the high-end sector experiencing robust recovery driven by demand for eco-conscious, low-density experiences in destinations like Etosha, Sossusvlei, and emerging remote areas. The sector is projected to generate N$4.6 billion in 2025 with continued growth expected from improved air connectivity and diversified marketing strategies.
13 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Ethiopian Airlines Group has commenced construction of Bishoftu International Airport on 10 January 2026, a project designed to support African trade and connectivity through the African Continental Free Trade Area. Phase one is expected to be completed by 2030 with capacity for 60 million passengers annually, expanding to 110 million when fully built.
14 January 2026 · New Era →
Ethiopia has begun building what Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed describes as Africa's biggest airport in Bishoftu, southeast of Addis Ababa, at a cost of around $12.7 billion. The facility is expected to handle 110 million passengers annually when complete in five years, and will include a motorway and 38-kilometre high-speed railway link to the capital.
12 January 2026 · New Era →