Ethiopian Airlines is to start serving Addis Ababa from Gatwick as the airport’s 50th long-haul destination.
The new route will operate three times a week from November 21.
It is the first time the Ethiopian capital has been served from Gatwick since 2006.
Confirmation of the service means that airport now offers more than 80% of its pre-Covid long-haul routes.
Norse Atlantic started five new US routes earlier this year and is due to introduce flights to Miami and Boston in September, before adding Kingston, Montego Bay and Bridgetown in October.
British Airways will start flying to Accra in Ghana from October, following new flights to Las Vegas and Vancouver earlier this year.
Air Mauritius is also due to offer daily flights to the Indian Ocean island from October.
Gatwick’s long-haul destinations now span the US, Canada, Caribbean, Africa, Asia and Middle East.
Chief commercial officerJonathan Pollard said: “Returning to 50 long-haul routes is a milestone moment for London Gatwick.
“While we’re delighted to offer passengers such an expansive range of short-haul routes across Europe, we’re also proud to provide connections to an increasing range of destinations around the world.
“Whether that’s outbound trade or inbound tourism, growing London Gatwick’s long-haul network is crucial for economic opportunities across the region.
“We look forward to welcoming Ethiopian Airlines. This is the latest in a number of carriers looking to operate long-haul routes from Gatwick, which further highlights the strong demand for slots at our airport.”