Ethiopian Airlines Expands Domestic Reach with Three New Regional Airports

Ethiopian Airlines is set to open three new domestic airports and begin passenger services to Negele Borena, Gore Metu and Debre Markos, marking a further push to deepen air connectivity across Ethiopia’s regions.

The state-owned carrier said flights to the new destinations are expected to start by mid-April 2026, with services operating three times a week to each airport. The expansion will raise the airline’s domestic network to 26 destinations, underscoring a renewed focus on regional mobility as Ethiopia continues to invest in transport infrastructure.

The move highlights the growing role of domestic aviation in linking secondary cities and remote areas, where road travel can be lengthy and unpredictable. Improved air access is often viewed as a catalyst for trade, tourism and public service delivery, particularly in fast-growing regional centres.

Mesfin Tasew, chief executive of Ethiopian Airlines, described the development as part of the airline’s broader strategy to strengthen national connectivity. He said the additional airports would support economic activity and widen access to reliable air transport.

Ethiopian Airlines has steadily expanded its domestic footprint alongside its international network. In 2025, the carrier added Yabello as a new domestic destination, reflecting a pattern of network growth aimed at integrating regional markets.

Founded in 1945, Ethiopian Airlines has grown into Africa’s largest airline by network coverage, operating more than 160 passenger and cargo routes worldwide. The airline’s fleet includes Boeing 737, 777 and 787 aircraft, Airbus A350 variants and De Havilland Q400 turboprops, enabling it to serve both high-density international routes and shorter domestic sectors.

The carrier’s long-term strategy, branded Vision 2035, targets further network expansion and operational scale. Alongside its Addis Ababa hub, Ethiopian has pursued partnerships and equity investments in other African markets, including Lomé, Lilongwe, Lusaka and Kinshasa, as part of a multi-hub model designed to capture rising demand for air travel across the continent.

Source : https://birrmetrics.com/ethiopian-airlines-expands-domestic-reach-with-three-new-regional-airports/