Ethiopia opens new regional airport
Another airport has opened in Ethiopia as the government continues its drive to expand regional air links.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday officially inaugurated the new Negele Borena Geda Airport in the south of the country, marking Ethiopian Airlines’ 24th domestic destination, according to his statement on X.
The new airport is designed to handle larger and more advanced aircraft, including the Boeing 737 Max. Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations immediately, with three weekly flights.
Abiy said the project is aimed at improving access to the southern region.
“Every new runway we build bridges a gap, unlocks regional economic potential, and brings our people closer together,” the prime minister stressed.
He also praised Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, as the company marks its 80th anniversary this year, calling it “the pride of Africa” and “the New Spirit of Africa.”
The inaugurated airport is one of four new domestic airports Ethiopian Airlines announced earlier this year as part of a broader expansion drive aimed at improving connectivity across the country.
In March, local media reported that the carrier planned to launch new hubs in Negele Borena, Gore Mettu, Mizan Aman, and Debre Markos. Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew said the projects would expand the airline’s domestic network from 23 to 27 destinations.
The expansion comes as Ethiopia advances plans for Bishoftu International Airport, which is expected to become Africa’s largest aviation hub. Construction began in January after the mega-project was unveiled in 2025 to ease growing pressure on Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
In April, local media, citing data from US aircraft manufacturer Boeing, reported that Ethiopian Airlines had converted options for six Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners into a firm order. The carrier now flies to more than 145 international passenger and cargo destinations and maintains a fleet of over 170 aircraft — including Airbus models — with an average aircraft age of about seven years.
