Ethiopia and Cuba are planning to establish a direct flight route between Addis Ababa and Havana, an effort announced by Cuba’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Meylin Suárez Álvarez, as a way to commemorate the upcoming 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

The ambassador confirmed the two nations' engagement to launch this air service, which is specifically aimed at fostering stronger economic and cultural relations. Ambassador Álvarez stated that this direct connection is expected to dramatically cut down travel time, reducing the current journey of over 24 hours to an estimated 14 to 16 hours.

Beyond convenience, this route is projected to create a vital air corridor between Africa and the Caribbean, significantly enhancing Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport’s role as a crucial gateway to Latin America. The Ambassador underscored the project’s importance for regional cooperation and expressed Cuba's readiness to fully support its implementation, the Ethiopian Herald reported.

She emphasized that Ethiopia, being a host to numerous continental and global activities, needs to strengthen its connection with Africa, especially through its national flag carrier, Ethiopian Airlines. She concluded, “This collaboration is not only beneficial for the involved countries but also for broader regional integration.” Supporting the initiative, a Foreign Affairs Ministry official, who requested anonymity, stated, “This is the logical next step. Our historical friendship demands stronger physical connectivity to support modern joint ventures and people-to-people exchanges.”