Route Development
Ethiopian Airlines to Open Three New Domestic Airports in April 2026
Ethiopian Airlines will inaugurate three new domestic airports and start passenger flights by April 2026, expanding its network to 26 airports.
This article is based on an official press release from Ethiopian Airlines.
Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to inaugurate three new domestic airports and launch scheduled passenger services to these destinations by mid-April 2026. The expansion will see the addition of Negele Borena, Gore Metu, and Debre Markos to the carrier’s route map, further solidifying its position as the largest network operator in Africa.
According to the airline, the new services will operate thrice weekly to each destination. This move increases Ethiopian Airlines’ domestic network to 26 airports, following the inauguration of Yabello airport as its 23rd domestic destination in 2025. The expansion aligns with the carrier’s broader strategy to enhance internal air connectivity and support regional economic integration.
The three new airports are geographically distributed to serve distinct regions of the country. Negele Borena is located in the southern Oromia region, a key area for pastoralist communities and cross-border trade. Gore Metu serves the southwestern region, known for its dense forests and coffee production in the Illubabor Zone. Debre Markos is situated in the northwest Amhara region, a historical trade and administrative center.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew emphasized the role of air transport in national development. In the press release, Tasew stated:
“The inauguration of these three new airports, along with the commencement of passenger services, represents a major milestone for Ethiopian Airlines and for the nation as a whole. This expansion reflects our steadfast commitment to enhancing connectivity within Ethiopia and serves as a powerful driver of economic growth and regional development.”
The airline confirmed that infrastructure renovation and enhancement remain a priority as it integrates these new stations. The flights are expected to facilitate easier movement for business, tourism, and social visits, reducing travel time significantly compared to road transport in these mountainous and remote areas.
This expansion underscores Ethiopian Airlines’ aggressive pursuit of its “Vision 2035” strategy, which aims to position the group as a top 20 global aviation competitor while maintaining a robust multi-hub system in Africa. While the carrier is globally recognized for its international long-haul fleet, its domestic network remains the backbone of its hub-and-spoke model at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
By connecting secondary and tertiary cities like Debre Markos and Negele Borena, the airline is not only feeding traffic into its international network but also stimulating local economies. The choice of Gore Metu is particularly notable for the coffee industry, potentially expediting the transport of high-value cash crops and business travelers in the southwest. Similarly, Negele Borena’s inclusion strengthens links to the southern borderlands, an area often challenged by long road travel times. The airline’s leadership views domestic connectivity as a tool for social inclusion. Tasew highlighted the broader mission behind the new routes:
“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.”
The carrier continues to utilize a mix of aircraft for its domestic operations, which typically includes the De Havilland Q400 turboprop fleet, well-suited for the highland terrain and shorter runways characteristic of Ethiopia’s regional airports.
When do flights to the new airports begin? How frequent will the new flights be? How many domestic destinations does Ethiopian Airlines serve?
Airlines to Inaugurate Three New Domestic Airports in April 2026
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Passenger services to Negele Borena, Gore Metu, and Debre Markos are scheduled to commence by mid-April 2026.
Ethiopian Airlines plans to operate three weekly flights to each of the three new destinations.
With the addition of these three airports, the total number of domestic destinations will rise to 26.
Sources
Photo Credit: Ethiopian Airlines