Beginning June 10, Ethiopian Airlines will launch the first nonstop service from Chicago to Africa. Three weekly flights will connect Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport with Addis Ababa (ADD), Ethiopia’s capital, on a 13-hour-45-minute routing.
The route will be operated with Ethiopian Airlines’ Boeing 787 aircraft and offered in partnership with United Airlines, a Star Alliance member based in Chicago. While the service begins in summer—overlapping Ethiopia’s rainy season—travelers arriving in September will find the start of the drier months, which are often more comfortable for exploring the region.
Recent improvements in Ethiopia’s political stability have helped drive renewed interest in the country. Visitors are drawn to Addis Ababa for its distinctive cuisine, renowned coffee culture and the bustling Merkato, one of Africa’s largest open-air markets.
Beyond the capital, Ethiopia offers dramatic natural and historical destinations. The Simien Mountains provide extensive opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing amid striking highland scenery. Lake Tana, the source of the Blue Nile, is another major draw—its monasteries, islands and waterways connect to the greater Nile basin and offer rich cultural and ecological experiences.
This new nonstop link from Chicago improves access to East Africa for both leisure and business travelers, making it easier to experience Ethiopia’s culinary traditions, historical sites and outdoor adventures.