Swiss and Ethiopian Airlines: Ljubljana - Comoros

Trip Report

Written by Matjaž Nose

After accumulating close to 80,000 miles in my Miles & More frequent flyer account, it was time to redeem them for an award ticket. My objective was to escape the late-autumn fog of Slovenia in favour of a destination where the climate demands sunscreen rather than winter layers. For this late-October getaway, I selected one of the least-known and least-visited nations in the world: the Comoros.

This choice was largely facilitated by an excellent premium award redemption offered by Ethiopian Airlines and its Star Alliance partners. For 75,000 miles and a modest €155 surcharge, I secured a multi-segment business class itinerary from Ljubljana to Moroni, the capital of the Comoros. The outbound routing comprised a Ljubljana - Zurich segment with Swiss (operated by airBaltic), followed by a Zurich - Milan - Addis Ababa - Moroni journey with Ethiopian Airlines. The return routing included Moroni - Addis Ababa - Brussels with Ethiopian Airlines, concluding with a final leg to Ljubljana operated by Brussels Airlines.

The following trip report provides a review of the outbound journey from Ljubljana to Moroni, including the inflight products and the airport lounge experiences in Ljubljana, Zurich, and Addis Ababa.

These are the flights I took:

Ljubljana (LJU) – Zurich (ZRH)

Flight number: LX2275 (Swiss, operated by airBaltic)

Flight date: October 22, 2026

Aircraft type: Airbus A220-300

Aircraft registration: YL-ABC

Departure time: 14:50

Arrival time: 16:05

Scheduled block time: 1h 15min

Seat: 2F

Zurich (ZRH) – Addis Ababa (ADD) via Milan (MXP)

Flight number: ET737 (Ethiopian Airlines)

Flight date: October 22, 2026

Aircraft type: Boeing B787-9

Aircraft registration: ET-AXK

Departure time: 21:00

Arrival time: 07:20 +1

Scheduled block time: 9h 20min

Seat: 4A

Addis Ababa (ADD) – Moroni (HAH)

Flight number: ET825 (Ethiopian Airlines)

Flight date: October 23, 2026

Aircraft type: Boeing B737-8 MAX

Aircraft registration: ET-BCU

Departure time: 10:00

Arrival time: 13:50

Scheduled block time: 3h 50min

Seat: 3L

It was drizzling when I locked my car at the P3 parking lot of Ljubljana Airport and headed toward the airport building, just a few minutes away on foot. The check-in counters for my Swiss flight to Zurich were already open. Within minutes, I was given three boarding passes for the upcoming flights to Africa, and as a business class passenger, I was also invited to visit the airport business lounge.

Upstairs from the check-in area and to the left are the security checkpoints; I was airside in no time. I then walked through the duty-free shop and headed straight to the airport lounge located on the other side. At about 1 pm, this small lounge was packed, so I had to sit outside on the terrace to eat something and drink a coffee. The lounge was stocked with standard cold dishes, soups, and desserts, while Slovenian wine and beer were also on offer. Although the lounge, located in the airport's Schengen area, has a nice outdoor terrace, it is really small. The airport will definitely have to find a solution to enlarge the lounge or build a new one as soon as possible, especially since new airlines are expected next year, including United Airlines.

Ljubljana Airport

Check-in area

Ljubljana Airport lounge

My Swiss flight to Zurich was operated by airBaltic. We boarded on time at gate A3. The seat configuration in both business and economy class on airBaltic's A220-300 is 2-3, though the middle seat is blocked in the business class cabin. There were three business class passengers on the LX2275 afternoon flight to Zurich. Before departure, we were given a small bottle of water and refreshing tissues. After the 14:53 push-back, we were airborne at 15:04. Soon after take-off, we were served a cold meal: creamy beetroot and cucumber salad, pieces of chicken, and slices of orange for dessert. Drinks were available for free as well. As a farewell gesture, we were offered small "Swiss" chocolates. This first flight of my "Comoros expedition" was the shortest one. We touched down at 15:57 after a 53-minute flight. After arrival, I had to clear immigration. Going through the e-gates, it was basically a walk-through.

Ljubljana-Zurich flight operated by airBaltic

My next flight departed at 9 pm, so I had to kill a few hours. The best location to do so was the Swiss Business & Senator Lounge in the non-Schengen area (E gates), which was very close to the boarding gate for my next flight, E27. The lounge is spacious, featuring dedicated work and rest areas, comfortable seating, and a wide selection of hot and cold dishes, snacks, and drinks. An added bonus is the open terrace, which offers great views of the airplanes parked below. I really enjoyed my time in this lounge.

Zurich Airport

Swiss Business & Senator Lounge at E gates

The backbone of the Ethiopian Airlines wide-body fleet consists of Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-8 aircraft, featuring distinct business class (branded as "Cloud Nine") seating configurations in either a 1-2-1 or 2-2-2 layout. Regional African routes—as well as select European destinations such as Istanbul and Athens—are serviced by Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, while the domestic network is primarily operated using Dash 8-400 turboprops.

The flight from Zurich to Addis Ababa was operated by a seven-year-old Boeing 787-9. The Cloud Nine cabin comprised 30 seats configured in a 2-2-2 layout, utilizing the Collins Aerospace Diamond Parallel seats. Boarding commenced strictly on schedule, following the aircraft's day-long layover in Zurich. Upon seating, passengers were provided with a premium pillow, a blanket, noise-cancelling headphones (located in the adjacent storage compartment), a complimentary bottle of water, slippers, and an amenity kit. Prior to departure, the cabin crew offered hot towels alongside a choice of welcome beverages, including juice and champagne.

The initial segment to Milan was moderately occupied, with the business class cabin at approximately 50% capacity. Following a brief 30-minute hop to the capital of Lombardy, through-passengers remained onboard while additional travellers embarked. With the cabin now nearing full capacity, the aircraft pushed back at 23:30.

Before takeoff, the cabin crew distributed printed dining and beverage menus and efficiently took orders. The dinner service commenced approximately twenty minutes after midnight. The main course—a grilled salmon fillet was my choice —was well-executed and paired excellently with a selected Ethiopian red wine. A vanilla ice cream dessert concluded the meal service, after which the seat was converted into a fully flat bed for the night.

Complimentary Wi-Fi vouchers were provided to all Cloud Nine passengers, bypassing the standard US$25 full-flight connectivity fee. The smooth flight conditions allowed for an extended period of rest, concluding with a morning coffee and pastry service prior to arrival. The aircraft landed on schedule at 06:35 local time.

Business class cabin of B787-9

Starter on Milan – Addis Ababa flight

Main dish (salmon fillet)

As the aircraft was assigned a remote stand, a dedicated premium bus transferred business class passengers directly to the terminal. Passengers also benefited from priority security clearance and access to the Sheba Cloud Nine Lounge. Near the lounge entrance, a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony was being hosted; the freshly brewed coffee provided an excellent introduction to the lounge experience. The expansive lounge featured multiple dedicated zones, including private rooms, a bar, relaxation areas, and shower facilities.

A significant logistical advantage for business class travellers is the utilization of Gate A12, positioned almost directly opposite the lounge entrance. This arrangement eliminated the need to walk to the flight's original departure gate. Instead, premium passengers for various connections boarded through Gate A12, where dedicated Cloud Nine buses escorted passengers directly to their respective aircraft.

Arrival to Addis Ababa airport and transfer to the terminal

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

Entrance to the Sheba Lounge

Sheba Cloud Nine Lounge

A12 boarding gate for business class passengers

The final leg of the journey to Moroni was operated by a Boeing 737-8 MAX, which was parked at a remote stand. The Cloud Nine cabin features a 2-2 seating configuration; notably, the only other occupant in the business class cabin was an Ethiopian Airlines employee, whereas the economy class cabin appeared to be near full capacity. Ethiopian Airlines operates a daily service between Addis Ababa and Moroni, occasionally deploying wide-body Boeing 787-8 aircraft to meet demand. Other carriers serving this archipelago—located between Mozambique and Madagascar—include Kenya Airways (to Nairobi), Air Tanzania (to Dar es Salaam), EWA Air (to Mayotte), and Air Madagascar, with no other major international airlines operating routes to the islands.

The aircraft pushed back precisely at 10:10 for the three-hour flight to Moroni. Prior to departure, pre-departure beverages—including a choice of champagne or orange juice—and hot towels were offered, followed by the distribution of printed menus. The culinary experience began with grilled tiger prawns as a starter. For the main course, I selected the Ethiopian national dish, traditionally eaten with one's fingers—marking my first experience dining without utensils aboard an aircraft. The dish consisted of doro wat (a spicy chicken stew), minced beef in a savory sauce, mixed vegetables, and injera, a traditional sourdough flatbread with a signature spongy texture made from teff flour. The meal was exceptional and concluded with a selection of Ethiopian wine and a cup of black coffee.

At 13:40, the outlines of Grande Comore (Ngazidja), the largest island of the Comoros, came into view. Minutes later, the aircraft touched down at Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport. This smaller airport utilizes remote parking positions exclusively, requiring passengers to walk to the arrival hall. The terminal houses two baggage conveyor belts and was highly congested. The immigration process was straightforward, as a visa-on-arrival is available to most nationalities for a cash fee of €30. Unfortunately, my checked baggage did not arrive on the conveyor belt and was delayed until the following day, requiring a return trip to the airport for collection.

Boeing B737-8 MAX bound for Moroni

Moroni International Airport

Overall, the flight experience with Ethiopian Airlines was highly enjoyable, naturally enhanced by the premium business class service. For travellers interested in experiencing the airline's product without flying to the African continent, Ethiopian Airlines operates several fifth-freedom routes within Europe utilizing Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft. Notable city pairs include Zurich–Milan, Vienna–Copenhagen, Stockholm–Oslo, and Geneva–Manchester. For instance, a round-trip ticket between Milan and Zurich, including checked baggage, is frequently available for approximately €133.

To conclude, a few words on the destination itself. The Union of the Comoros comprises three primary islands: Grande Comore, Mohéli, and Anjouan. The nation also claims a fourth island, Mayotte; however, following independence from France in 1975, the residents of Mayotte voted to remain an overseas department of France. The local population speaks Comorian, a language closely related to Swahili, while French serves as the primary foreign language for administration and tourism.

The Comoros remains an economically developing nation with minimal tourism infrastructure. Environmental challenges are prominent, and waste management is a visible issue throughout the islands. Nevertheless, the archipelago offers remarkable natural beauty, particularly on Mohéli, the smallest island. Mohéli is renowned for its pristine sandy beaches, exceptional snorkeling opportunities, and vital sea turtle nesting sites.

On Grande Comore, where the capital city of Moroni is situated, the primary attraction is Mount Karthala. Standing at 2,361 meters, this active shield volcano represents the highest point in the Comoros. A guided trek to its summit is widely considered the definitive highlight of any visit to the main island.

Lac Salé, Grande Comore

Grande Comore island

Baobab tree, Grande Comore

Mount Karthala (volcano), Grande Comore

Badjanani mosque, Moroni, Grand Comore

Transfer Grande Comore-Móheli

Móheli island

A turtle heading back to the ocean, Itsamia, Móheli

Ylang-ylang (perfume tree), Móheli

Dried octopuses, Móheli

Mongoose lemur, Móheli

Sunset from the balcony of my accommodation in Nioumachoua, Móheli

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