Ethiopian Airlines Parcel Tracking

For Ethiopian Airlines cargo tracking, use the 11-digit air waybill (AWB) number that begins with 071. Enter the AWB in the tracking field at the top of this page to see the latest status and events.

Ethiopian Airlines runs its cargo business as Ethiopian Cargo & Logistics Services, also called Ethiopian Cargo. This page tracks cargo by AWB, not passenger flights or checked baggage.

How to track Ethiopian Airlines cargo

1. Get the AWB from the shipper, cargo agent, forwarder or Ethiopian cargo booking office.
2. Check that the number starts with 071.
3. Enter it in the field at the top of this page.
4. The same AWB works on Ethiopian Cargo's “Track your shipment” page or its app; the app can notify you when the shipment is ready.

Ethiopian Airlines AWB number

An Ethiopian Airlines AWB number has 11 digits: the airline prefix 071 and an eight-digit serial number, written 071-XXXXXXXX. ET is Ethiopian Airlines' two-letter IATA code, so “ET cargo” refers to Ethiopian's cargo business. One AWB can cover several pieces, and Ethiopian's tracking can show the status of the remaining pieces.

For a consolidated shipment, ask the forwarder for the master AWB (MAWB); airline tracking uses the master AWB rather than a house AWB (HAWB).

Ethiopian Airlines cargo tracking statuses

The table lists the standard air cargo milestones of the Cargo iQ route map.

Delivery time and collection

Ethiopian fixes no time for carrying or delivering cargo; timetable times are approximate, and the route may change. Cargo may transfer at the Addis Ababa hub or travel with partner airlines or by truck.

After the notice of arrival, the consignee or its agent collects the cargo at the destination airport or a facility Ethiopian designates, unless a delivery service applies. In Addis Ababa, a private person needs valid ID, passport or driving licence plus the AWB number and shipment information; a company also needs a letter of attorney and business licence.

In the United States, Ethiopian Cargo's destination list names Chicago and Miami. For inbound cargo to a US city outside Ethiopian's network, Forward Air trucks it to the final destination, and the consignee collects it from Forward Air. Forward Air's website accepts the AWB without the first three digits, 071.

Ethiopian Airlines cargo tracking not updating: what to do

1. Recheck the number, and for consolidated cargo use the master AWB rather than a house AWB.
2. Cargo may be waiting for a connecting flight at the Addis Ababa hub.
3. If the booking schedule changes, Ethiopian informs the contact address in the reservation.
4. For delayed or offloaded cargo, contact the local Ethiopian office listed under Worldwide Offices on the official website linked at the top of this page.
5. If cargo was not delivered on arrival, use Ethiopian Cargo's lost/damaged shipment questionnaire with the AWB; use its Contact Us form for complaints.

Frequently asked questions

Can I track a flight or delayed bag here?

No. Delayed or lost checked baggage is handled by Ethiopian's passenger baggage services. Baggage sent as cargo under an air waybill is tracked by its AWB like other cargo.

Can I send cargo from the US with Ethiopian as a private person?

No. Ethiopian does not accept cargo leaving the US from individual customers, only from known shippers; its US contacts page lists some CBP-certified known shippers that can arrange it.

What are the claim deadlines?

Claims are filed with the Ethiopian office at the origin or destination airport, with a copy of the master AWB and, if there is one, the house AWB. The person entitled to delivery complains in writing: for damage or partial loss as soon as it is found and within 14 days of receiving the goods, for delay within 21 days of the goods being placed at their disposal, and for non-delivery within 120 days of the AWB's issue date.