Ethiopian Airlines announced Feb. 18 that it plans to inaugurate three new domestic airports and launch passenger flights to the destinations by mid-April.
The new airports are located in Negele Borena, Gore Metu, and Debre Markos. The airline said it will operate passenger flights to each destination three times a week.
With the addition of the three routes, Ethiopian Airlines’ domestic network will expand to 26 destinations nationwide.
Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said the expansion reflects the airline’s commitment to enhancing connectivity within Ethiopia and serve as a driver of economic growth and regional development.
“Our mission is to build an inclusive and integrated air transport network that empowers communities, unlocks economic opportunities, and supports national development by making safe, reliable, and efficient air travel accessible to all,” Tasew said.
The move follows the airline’s inauguration of Yabello Airport in the south of the country in August 2025, marking another step in the expansion of its domestic network.
As the airline celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, it is also moving forward with plans to construct the multi-billion-dollar Bishoftu International Airport, a new mega hub located approximately 40 km (25 mi.) southeast of Addis Ababa.
The airport will feature four runways, two terminals, aprons capable of accommodating up to 270 aircraft, a large-scale cargo terminal, and a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) center.
According to Tasew, the new airport is expected to help address Africa’s infrastructure gap while supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by strengthening both regional and global connectivity.
Phase One of the project is slated for completion by 2030 and will have the capacity to handle up to 60 million passengers annually.
Once Phase Two is completed, terminal capacity is expected to expand to accommodate as many as 110 million passengers per year.
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