Ethiopian Airlines is set to strengthen its domestic footprint with the inauguration of three new airports in Negele Borena, Gore Metu and Debre Markos by mid April 2026, expanding its internal network to 26 destinations across the country.
The national carrier will operate three weekly passenger flights to each of the newly added airports, a move designed to enhance regional connectivity and unlock economic activity in previously underserved parts of Ethiopia. The expansion reinforces Ethiopian Airlines’ standing as the largest airline on the African continent and the region’s leading air cargo operator, with the most extensive cargo network in Africa.
Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew described the rollout as a pivotal moment for both the airline and the country’s broader development trajectory. According to him, the launch of passenger services to the three destinations reflects a sustained commitment to building an integrated domestic air transport system capable of supporting inclusive economic growth.
The addition of Negele Borena, Gore Metu and Debre Markos is expected to improve mobility for residents, businesses and investors by linking these regions more efficiently to Addis Ababa and onward international routes. Enhanced connectivity can reduce travel time, lower transaction costs and stimulate sectors such as agriculture, trade and tourism. For remote communities, improved air access also carries implications for healthcare delivery and educational exchange.
Ethiopia’s geography and infrastructure constraints have historically posed mobility challenges, particularly in rural and semi urban regions. By scaling its domestic network, Ethiopian Airlines is positioning aviation as a strategic enabler of national integration and regional development. Aviation plays a central role in Ethiopia’s long term economic planning, serving as both a logistics backbone and a symbol of industrial ambition.
The airline’s domestic expansion builds on momentum established in 2025, when it inaugurated Yabello Airport as its 23rd local destination. Alongside route growth, the carrier has invested in upgrading airport infrastructure and modernising passenger services to improve operational efficiency and customer experience.
With nearly eight decades of operation, Ethiopian Airlines has grown into a global aviation heavyweight, serving more than 160 passenger and cargo destinations across five continents. Its fleet modernisation strategy and strong cargo capabilities have allowed it to maintain resilience even during periods of global aviation disruption.
By deepening its domestic network to 26 airports, Ethiopian Airlines is not only reinforcing its market leadership but also aligning its commercial strategy with Ethiopia’s broader development agenda. Improved air links can catalyse regional value chains, encourage domestic tourism and attract investment into secondary cities.
As African economies increasingly prioritise infrastructure led growth, the airline’s expansion signals confidence in domestic demand and long term economic prospects. The latest move underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ dual role as a commercial enterprise and a strategic national asset driving connectivity, competitiveness and inclusive progress.
