Ethiopian Airlines, a leading African carrier, is set to significantly expand its European network with the introduction of a new direct service connecting Lyon, France, to its hub in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This new route will include a stopover in Geneva, Switzerland, and is scheduled to begin operations on July 2, 2026. The announcement marks a strategic move by the airline to bolster its presence in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and offer more travel options for passengers.
New Route Details and Schedule
The new service, designated as flight ET738, will depart from Addis Ababa at 00:10, arriving in Geneva at 06:30. Following a brief stop, the flight will then proceed to Lyon, landing at 08:15. The return journey, flight ET739, will depart from Lyon at 19:20, make a stop in Geneva, and arrive back in Addis Ababa the following day at 04:55. This schedule is designed to facilitate convenient connections for both business and leisure travelers.
The route will be operated three times a week, utilizing the modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This wide-body jet is known for its fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and long-range capabilities, making it an ideal choice for intercontinental travel. The specific days of operation for this route have not yet been fully disclosed but are expected to be confirmed closer to the launch date.
Strategic Expansion in Europe
This new connection is part of Ethiopian Airlines’ broader strategy to enhance its global network and strengthen its position as a gateway between Africa and Europe. Lyon, a major economic and cultural hub in southeastern France, offers significant potential for both inbound and outbound tourism and business travel. The inclusion of Geneva as a stopover further solidifies the airline’s presence in key European cities.
The airline’s decision to launch this route during the summer of 2026 aligns with the anticipated increase in international travel and tourism. France, in particular, is expected to benefit from a surge in tourism, partly due to the ‘Olympic effect’ following the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The French government aims to make France the world’s leading sustainable tourism destination and achieve 100 billion euros in international tourism revenue by 2030, with initiatives like the “Semaine des métiers du tourisme” attracting new talent to the sector [entreprises.gouv.fr](https://www.entreprises.gouv.fr/la-dge/actualites/comite-interministeriel-du-tourisme-2025-renforcer-la-competitivite-du-tourisme). This new flight route could contribute to these goals by increasing accessibility to France.
Impact on Local Tourism and Economy
The introduction of this direct link is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy of Lyon and the wider Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It will provide easier access for African tourists to explore the rich cultural heritage, culinary scene, and natural beauty of the region. Conversely, it will offer residents of Lyon and its surroundings a more direct and convenient way to travel to Addis Ababa and beyond, leveraging Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is already a significant tourist destination, and improved air connectivity is crucial for its continued growth. With France actively promoting sustainable tourism and aiming for a robust recovery in international visitor numbers, this new route could play a vital role in attracting diverse traveler segments [francetourismedurable.gouv.fr](https://www.francetourismedurable.gouv.fr/).
Future Outlook
Ethiopian Airlines has been consistently expanding its fleet and route network, demonstrating its commitment to connecting Africa with the rest of the world. The choice of Lyon underscores the city’s growing importance as an international gateway. Passengers can look forward to a comfortable and efficient travel experience on the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900.
This development comes at a time when the French tourism sector is showing strong signs of recovery and growth. In 2024, the sector generated 200 billion euros in revenue, with 71 billion euros from international receipts, an 8% increase from 2023 [entreprises.gouv.fr](https://www.entreprises.gouv.fr/la-dge/actualites/comite-interministeriel-du-tourisme-2025-renforcer-la-competitivite-du-tourisme). Forecasts for summer 2025 indicate a 4.7% increase in international air arrivals compared to 2024, with visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, Canada, and China showing increased interest [rtl.fr](https://www.rtl.fr/actu/economie-consommation/tourisme-la-france-va-profiter-de-l-effet-jeux-olympiques-et-de-la-hausse-d-internationaux-pour-son-ete-2025-7900518495). The new Lyon route is poised to capitalize on this positive trend.
Further details regarding flight times, specific operating days, and booking availability are expected to be released by Ethiopian Airlines in the coming months.
Source: [mistertravel.news](https://mistertravel.news/2026/01/06/ethiopian-airlines-nouvelle-liaison-lyon-addis-abeba-via-geneve/)
