China Southern Airlines launched a new direct air route connecting Guangzhou, Changsha, and Addis Ababa on October 12, 2026. The service, operating twice weekly with Boeing 787 aircraft, marks the only direct connection between China and Ethiopia currently operated by a Chinese carrier, aiming to boost international passenger traffic.
Inaugural Flight and Route Details
The inaugural flight, CZ8095, arrived at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on October 12, carrying 224 passengers. The route provides a direct link between Ethiopia and major manufacturing and commercial hubs in China, with the service welcomed at the airport with a traditional water salute.
Flights operate on Mondays and Fridays. According to flight schedules, the outbound journey departs Guangzhou at 10:10 Beijing time, stops in Changsha, and reaches Addis Ababa at 20:00 local time. The return flight, CZ8096, departs Ethiopia at 23:00, arriving in Changsha the following day before continuing to Guangzhou. This is the first route in South China operated by a Chinese airline using a single aircraft to reach Ethiopia directly.
Representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, various Ethiopian government institutions, Ethiopian Airlines, airport officials, and members of the Ethiopian media gathered at the terminal to attend the welcoming ceremony for the new service.
New Route Increases China Southern Destinations in Africa
As of October 12, 2026, China Southern’s Shanghai-listed shares held a market capitalization of CNY 87.3 billion.
Operating expenses remain a central challenge for the airline. The new route serves to increase the airline’s total destinations in Africa to two.
Changsha Adds Second Direct Passenger Route to Africa
With the addition of this service, Changsha now hosts two direct international passenger routes to Africa, including an existing connection to Nairobi.
A China Southern Airlines flight carrying over 200 passengers landed in Ethiopia on Monday, marking the successful inaugural flight of a new and only air route operated by a Chinese carrier between China and Ethiopia.The passenger flight is operated twice weekly, on Mondays and… pic.twitter.com/05vbWaYuel
— https://x.com/PDChinaBusiness/status/2109901958568136957
- October 14, 2026: Maturity date for the airline’s convertible bonds, with redemption funds scheduled for release on October 15.