Ethiopian Airlines has partnered with Ethiopian fintech firm Chapa Financial Technologies to allow passengers to purchase tickets online using any bank ATM card via the airline’s website and mobile app. The integration eliminates the need for in-person payments, offering a fully digital, secure, and convenient experience for both domestic and international travellers.

The move marks an expansion of a preexisting collaboration, which had previously enabled digital wallet payments. With this upgrade, travellers can now buy tickets or other airline services directly through Ethiopia’s banking network using local debit cards, removing the need for international cards or complex workarounds.

The initiative, branded “Flight Meets Fintech,” streamlines ticket payments while supporting Ethiopia’s broader digital economy. Hailemelekot Mamo, Vice President at Ethiopian Airlines, said the partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to homegrown innovation. “By working with Chapa, we are enhancing efficiency and accessibility for our passengers while supporting local technology solutions,” he said.

For Chapa, which is integrated with over 1,500 organizations, the partnership represents a significant milestone in its mission to simplify payments across industries. Co-founder and CEO Nael Hailemariam explained that enabling ATM-based payments required consolidating complex bank integrations that would have otherwise taken years. “This collaboration allows customers to transact securely and confidently, while laying the foundation for future digital financial services,” he said.