As Ethiopian Airlines celebrates 50 years of service in the UK, attention has turned to enhanced connectivity to Botswana’s Okavango Delta by the airline’s new direct flight from Addis Ababa to Maun.

The thrice-weekly route, launched on June 10, allows travellers to easily connect to the Okavango after flying into Addis.

“We’re excited to bring this new accessibility to the UK market, offering a seamless connection to Maun – the gateway to the Okavango Delta and one of Africa’s top tourist destinations,” said Joaquin Cababie, Ethiopian Airlines’ Sales, Marketing and Account Manager for the UK.

The route operates on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays using the 160-seat Boeing 737 Max 8.

Ethiopian Airlines is set to use Africa’s first Airbus A350-1000 – which accommodates 395 passengers – on its route between London-Heathrow and Addis Ababa from November 3. The addition is expected to stimulate tourism into Africa while improving passengers’ access to Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive network of routes across southern and East Africa.

Cababie said Maun is an important strategic destination for the airline.

“Maun is a key addition to our network. This route provides more access to Botswana’s unique attractions, helping to strengthen ties between the UK and southern Africa.”