Ethiopian Airlines Group has announced plans to open four new domestic airports within the next two months. CEO Mesfin Tasew shared with Capital that this initiative aims to streamline domestic flights, enhance accessibility to regional cities, and boost Ethiopia’s socio-economic growth.
The airports under construction in Negele Borena, Gore Mettu, Mizan Aman (Mizan Teferi), and Debre Markos are nearing completion.
Once operational, the airline will increase its domestic destinations from 23 to 27.
Mesfin emphasized that this expansion is not just a commercial strategy but a national responsibility. As the only provider of regular domestic flight services in Ethiopia, millions depend on the airline for business, mobility, and emergency services.
The airline believes that air transport is a vital catalyst for socio-economic development, and expanding domestic operations is seen as a significant national obligation.
He highlighted that the new airports will create access for citizens who have previously lacked air transport options. The airline is making substantial investments in this sector, with efforts underway to modernize existing terminals, enhance security systems, and expand aircraft parking areas.
Additionally, Ethiopian Airlines plans to modernize its domestic fleet. The airline has primarily used approximately 28 Q400 turboprop aircraft for domestic flights but is now studying the acquisition of jet aircraft to gradually replace the existing fleet, aiming to improve passenger comfort, speed, and overall service quality to meet the growing demand in Ethiopian cities.
The new airports are strategically located to enhance the economic potential of their regions. Negele Borena airport is crucial for southern livestock resources and trade routes, while Debre Markos airport will serve as a key hub for agriculture and education in the Amhara region.
Gore Mettu and Mizan Aman airports will provide essential connectivity for high-altitude areas in the West and Southwest, where coffee production is prominent.
Under its “Vision 2035,” Ethiopian Airlines aims to double the number of domestic destinations in the next ten years. By investing its own capital in infrastructure, the airline seeks to ensure that geographical barriers do not hinder citizens’ growth. The opening of these new airports is anticipated to be a historic milestone for Ethiopian aviation.
Meanwhile, in response to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have caused airspace closures and instability in the international fuel market, Mesfin informed Capital that Ethiopian Airlines is implementing rigorous measures to maintain operations.
As Africa’s largest airline, it has begun using strategic fuel reserves and exploring alternative international suppliers to manage a 100% increase in jet fuel prices and disruptions to regional flight routes.
The conflict in the region has led the airline to suspend flights to eight countries and ten major cities in the Middle East and Gulf, including Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE.
The ongoing conflict has necessitated a temporary withdrawal from high-risk flight routes. Mesfin explained, “Many countries affected by the war have closed their airspace, causing most airlines to cancel regular flights to these destinations.”
Although conditions have slightly improved with limited “repatriation” flights resuming to Sharjah in the UAE and Dammam in Saudi Arabia, broader regional restrictions have affected passenger numbers.
However, the CEO remains confident in the airline’s overall safety, stating that while the current disruptions within its vast global network are “not insignificant,” they will not result in catastrophic damage.
