Ethiopian Airlines Launches First of Its Kind Nonstop Service Connecting LAX and Africa

On Nov. 27, Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) announced that Ethiopian Airlines, the largest aviation group in Africa and a SKYTRAX certified Four Star Airline, will launch a new first-of-its-kind flight, connecting Los Angeles travelers to West Africa through Lomé-Tokoin Airport (LFW) in Togo. The inaugural flight is scheduled for December 17, 2018. With the launch of this new route, LAX will become one of only two airports in the world to serve six continents with nonstop flights, joining London-Heathrow in this distinction. LAX will be the only U.S. west coast gateway airport with nonstop service to Africa.

“Los Angeles is a global crossroads — a city that connects the world and a place where everyone is welcome,” said Mayor Eric Garcetti. “The start of non-stop service between Lomé-Tokoin Airport in Togo and LAX marks an important milestone in our ongoing work to bring Los Angeles to the world, and the world to Los Angeles.”

"Los Angeles is again leading the way in international travel providing direct options, which ultimately allow passengers to spend more time enjoying their destinations,” said Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson.

“Our airport helps connect the world, and I’m excited that this new service to Africa is yet another way our airport is making getting around the globe more convenient for travelers,” said Councilmember Mike Bonin, District 11. “I congratulate LAX on becoming one of only two airports in the world with nonstop service to six continents, as well as on the continued progress the airport is making to become both a world-class airport and first-class neighbor.”

"LAX continues its non-stop progress by becoming the second airport in the world to have non-stop service to six continents!" said Councilmember Joe Buscaino, Chair of the LA City Council's Trade, Travel and Tourism Committee. "This expansion continues to send the message that Los Angeles welcomes everyone as we continue to embrace more business, more travelers and more destinations to and from the City of Angels."

“At Los Angeles World Airports our mission is to serve the world, connecting people, places and cultures, and on Dec. 17, the world will get that much closer, as LAX celebrates nonstop service to six continents with our new route to Lomé-Tokoin Airport in Togo,” said Deborah Flint, CEO, LAWA. “As someone who spent several of my young years living on the continent of Africa, this route has a special significance to me, and I know it will be embraced by all those who want to travel between our continents to visit family, do business or further explore the world.”

Ethiopian Airlines will service this new route using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, one of the most technologically advanced aircraft available. The flight begins/ends in Addis Abada, the capital of Ethiopia.