HOUSTON — Once again, George Bush Intercontinental Airport will offer direct flights to the six inhabited continents with the announcement that Ethiopian Airlines will begin operations to Houston in the Summer of 2019.

As part of a restructuring of its U.S. routes, Ethiopian Airlines will offer direct flights to a to-be-determined West Africa destination three times per week from Bush Airport. The flights to Houston replace the current routes to Los Angeles and Ethiopian Airlines cited the “travel of the huge African community in the Houston area, and oil and other companies doing business in the continent,” as motive for the decision.

“Finding the right partner and strengthening our connection with Africa was one of our primary goals in continuing the growth in international travel to the Houston market, and we are excited to partner with Ethiopian Airlines to make that happen,” said Houston Aviation Director Mario C. Diaz. “A big part of being a 4-star rated airport is international connectivity and adding a 4-star airline to Bush Airport strengthens the commitment to that level of service.”

Ethiopian Airlines becomes the 21st foreign flag carrier offering passenger flights out of Bush Airport. For a complete list of international carriers at Bush Airport, check this link.

As well, Ethiopian Airlines announced an increase in flights to Washington D.C., Chicago, New York and Newark. The new U.S. network is aimed at giving passengers travelling between the U.S. and all over Africa the best possible connectivity and shortest routes, whether they are traveling for leisure, business or government work.

“The U.S. is among our most important markets owing to the presence of a large African community and growing business and tourism ties with Africa,” said Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines. “Our new route structure with additional frequencies to multiple gateways and the opening of new route to Houston are aimed at responding to the market demand and availing best possible connectivity to over 60 African destinations.

“Onboard our flights, our customers will continue to enjoy our premium and award-winning service on the most technologically advanced commercial aircraft, the Boeing 787. In line with our Vision 2025 strategic roadmap, we will keep on expanding our U.S. and African network so as to facilitate people-to-people ties and the flow of investment, trade and tourism.”

Learn more abut Ethiopian Airlines and its plans at this link.

Learn more about the Houston Airport System at this link.