Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, just added Atlanta to its destination list.

The airline will offer flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city and home to the airline’s main hub. According to Travel Pulse, the new services between the world’s busiest airport and Addis Ababa will begin on May 16. The airline will be offering flights four times a week.

The Points Guy shared a special detail about the flight path for the new destination. Flights headed west from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will stop in Dublin for 50 minutes to refuel. The higher altitude of ADD and higher winds coming from Addis Ababa requires a stop to assess technical functions.

In the official news release regarding the route, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said, “We are truly delighted to open our sixth gateway in North America with the new flight to Atlanta. We have been connecting the U.S. and Africa for 25 years now and the new service will help boost the investment, tourism, diplomatic and socioeconomic bonds between the two regions. As a pan-African carrier, we are committed to further expanding our global network and connecting Africa with the rest of the world. We are also keen to better serve the U.S. by increasing our destinations and flight frequencies.”

Ethiopian Airlines currently services more than 130 international destinations. Their U.S. sites include Chicago, Washington, D.C., and two New York City airports.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens states the new service is a win for the city’s plan to develop more connections with Africa.

“Ethiopian Airlines’ new service to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is yet another win for our city as we continue to develop and expand our air service to Africa,” Dickens said. “As we celebrate the new connection of the rich and dynamic cities of Atlanta and Addis Ababa, we look forward to a strong and successful partnership with our new partners in Ethiopia.”

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport General Manager Balram “B” Bheodari echoed Mayor Dickens’ statement regarding the new connection.

“As the world’s busiest and most efficient airport, our mission is to deliver excellence while connecting our community to the world,” Bheodari said. “This new partnership with Ethiopian Airlines expands that connectivity and access for our passengers and further solidifies our position as an industry leader. We are thrilled to welcome Ethiopian Airlines to ATL.”

Martie Bowser is a journalist and public relations professional in Charlotte, NC. She enjoys amplifying the voices of POC and women that fill a void within their community. Her bylines include “person of interest” interviews, small business highlights, pop culture commentary, entertainment features, and everything Beyonce.

If you enjoy our perspective on travel and Black culture, please sign up for our newsletter. You should consider joining our travel club, too. Or maybe write a piece for us about your favorite destination. In other words, let’s stay connected!