In its usual manners, Ethiopian Airlines, celebrated the 2026 International Women’s Day with a special operation of all-women crewed flights to eight international and regional destinations, highlighting the airline’s commitment to gender inclusion and its 80 years of service.
The commemorative flights, operated entirely by female professionals across cockpit, cabin crew, technical, dispatch and ground operations, departed to Cairo, Djibouti, Nairobi, Frankfurt, Accra, Mumbai, Windhoek, and Dire Dawa.
The airline formally launched the initiative during a grand event held on March 7, 2026 at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, attended by government officials, airline executives, women leaders, and female employees representing various divisions of the airline and partner organisations.
Speaking at the event, Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, said the airline has remained committed to expanding opportunities for women across its operations.
“Ethiopian Airlines has consistently led the way in advancing women’s participation across all areas of its business, ensuring equal opportunities in flight operations, leadership, and corporate positions”, he said.
According to him, the airline’s inclusive workplace culture, alongside its strong emphasis on training and professional development, has enabled women to thrive in roles traditionally dominated by men.
Tasew noted that this year’s celebration carries special significance as it coincides with the airline’s 80th anniversary.
“This year’s celebration is especially unique as we are marking the day with eight all-women functioned flights highlighting our 80th anniversary”, he added.
Women currently make up about 40 percent of the airline’s workforce, working across diverse divisions including flight operations, engineering, customer service and corporate management.
The airline has operated special all-women flights annually to commemorate International Women’s Day since 2015.
According to the airline, the eight flights this year symbolise the eight decades of Ethiopian Airlines’ operations since its founding in 1946, when it launched its first scheduled international service to Cairo, Egypt.