This article is based on an official press release from Ethiopian Airlines.

Airlines to Inaugurate Three New Domestic Airports in April 2026

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.

Network Expansion Details

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.

AirPro News Analysis

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.

Executive Vision

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do flights to the new airports begin?
Passenger services to Negele Borena, Gore Metu, and Debre Markos are scheduled to commence by mid-April 2026.

How frequent will the new flights be?
Ethiopian Airlines plans to operate three weekly flights to each of the three new destinations.

How many domestic destinations does Ethiopian Airlines serve?
With the addition of these three airports, the total number of domestic destinations will rise to 26.

Sources

• Ethiopian Airlines

UAE and Bahrain Initiate ‘Single Travel Point’ Pilot to Streamline Regional Aviation

The United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain have officially launched the pilot phase of the “Single Travel Point” initiative, a bilateral project designed to eliminate traditional international arrival procedures for eligible travelers. According to reporting by Gulf News, the system went live on February 16, 2026, marking a significant step toward integrated regional mobility.

This initiative, also referred to as “One-Point Air Travellers,” allows passengers to complete all necessary immigration, customs, and security clearances at their point of departure. By shifting these checks to the origin airport, travelers can arrive at their destination with the ease of a domestic passenger, bypassing arrival queues entirely.

The pilot program is currently operational between Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain International Airport in Manama. As noted in the reports, eligibility is initially restricted to citizens of the UAE and Bahrain traveling on Etihad Airways or Gulf Air.

Operational Mechanics and Passenger Journey

The core functionality of the Single Travel Point relies on advanced biometric verification and real-time data sharing between the two nations. Gulf News highlights that the system utilizes facial recognition technology to verify traveler identity and share security data before the flight departs.

Departure as the Primary Checkpoint

Under this new protocol, the traditional international travel process is re-engineered. Passengers undergo comprehensive screening, including immigration and customs, only once, at their airport of origin. Once cleared, their data is transmitted securely to the destination authorities while the flight is airborne.

The ‘Domestic’ Arrival Experience

Upon landing, eligible passengers are permitted to exit the airport immediately. By treating the flight as a domestic arrival, the system removes the need for passport control or customs inspections at the destination, significantly reducing “air-side dwell” time and airport congestion.

Strategic Context: A Blueprint for GCC Integration

While currently a bilateral agreement, the Single Travel Point is positioned as a proof-of-concept for a broader Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strategy. Reports indicate that the ultimate goal is to link all six GCC states, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar, under similar seamless travel protocols.

This operational integration is distinct from the “Unified GCC Tourist Visa,” which focuses on access permissions for international tourists. In contrast, the Single Travel Point focuses on the logistics of border crossing for citizens, effectively creating a “domestic” travel zone within the region.

Official Commentary

Authorities from both nations have emphasized the project’s role in enhancing security and economic ties. The initiative is being implemented by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in cooperation with Bahrain’s Ministry of Interior.

According to statements cited in the coverage, Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of the ICP, described the project as a milestone for regional mobility. Similarly, airline stakeholders have welcomed the move.

“This initiative redefines travel between the UAE and Bahrain and aligns with our strategy to enhance the passenger journey.”

, Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, Etihad Airways (via Gulf News)

AirPro News Analysis

The launch of the Single Travel Point represents a critical evolution in Middle Eastern aviation infrastructure. By moving border processing upstream to the point of departure, airports can optimize terminal space usage and reduce the staffing burden on arrival halls. For airlines like Etihad and Gulf Air, this offers a competitive product differentiation against other carriers that may not yet have access to the dedicated “domestic” lanes.

Furthermore, this development suggests that the GCC is moving rapidly toward a Schengen-style aviation model. While the current pilot is limited to citizens, the infrastructure being tested, specifically the real-time cross-border biometric data exchange, is the necessary foundation for eventually expanding these privileges to expatriate residents and international tourists.

Future Expansion and Outlook

While the current phase is restricted to citizens flying specific routes, the long-term vision includes expanding eligibility to expatriate residents of GCC countries. However, reports note that no specific timeline has been set for this expansion.

Success at Zayed International and Bahrain International could pave the way for adoption at other major regional hubs, such as Dubai International (DXB). The initiative aims to bolster tourism and trade by making short-haul cross-border trips as frictionless as domestic commuting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is currently eligible for the Single Travel Point?
The pilot phase is currently restricted to citizens of the UAE and Bahrain.

Which airlines are participating?
Travelers must be flying on Etihad Airways or Gulf Air to utilize the service.

Does this replace the Unified GCC Tourist Visa?
No. This is a logistical measure to streamline airport processing for citizens. The Unified Visa is a separate policy regarding entry permissions for international tourists.

Sources

• Gulf News
• Huda Ata

Florida House Approves Bill to Rename Palm Beach Airport After Donald Trump Amid Heated Debate

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Florida House of Representatives voted to pass House Bill 919, a measure that would rename Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) to “President Donald J. Trump International Airport.” The bill passed with an 81-30 vote following what observers described as an emotionally charged and aggressive floor debate.

According to reporting by the Florida Phoenix, the legislation now moves closer to final enactment, with its Senate companion, SB 706, positioned for a final floor vote. If signed by Governor Ron DeSantis, the bill would strip the local county of its naming authority for the airport and impose a rebranding effort estimated to cost millions of dollars.

Legislative Action and Financial Implications

The passage of HB 919 marks a significant step in the state legislature’s effort to honor the former president in his home county. However, the proposal has sparked controversy regarding both its funding and its imposition on a local government that politically opposes the former president.

The Cost of Rebranding

State estimates indicate that renaming the airport will cost approximately $5.5 million. This figure covers the replacement of roadway and terminal signage, the rebranding of employee uniforms, and updates to IT systems and promotional materials. Crucially, the text of HB 919 does not explicitly appropriate state funds to cover these expenses.

Palm Beach County officials have warned that without state assistance, the financial burden will likely fall on the airport itself. This would force the facility to use revenue generated from user fees and tenant rents to pay for a name change mandated by the state, rather than for operational improvements.

Senate Progress

While the House has cleared the bill, the process is not yet complete. The Senate version of the legislation, SB 706, sponsored by Senator Debbie Mayfield, has cleared the Transportation, Community Affairs, and Rules committees. It is currently awaiting a final vote on the Senate floor before it can be presented to the Governor.

Trademark Concerns and the “Grift” Debate

A central flashpoint in the debate involves intellectual property rights and the potential for commercial profit. During the legislative session, opponents raised concerns regarding trademark filings made by DTTM Operations LLC, a company that manages Donald Trump’s intellectual property.

Reports indicate that the company filed “intent to use” applications for names including “President Donald J. Trump International Airport” and “DJT.” These filings cover a wide range of merchandise, such as clothing, luggage, and souvenirs. Critics, including Representative Anna Eskamani, argued that this creates a framework for a “grift,” where the former president could profit from goods sold at a publicly funded airport.

Supporters of the bill dismissed these concerns. The Trump Organization issued a statement asserting they would license the name “royalty-free” to prevent misuse by bad actors. However, opponents noted that the bill’s text does not legally mandate a royalty-free arrangement, leaving the terms of any future licensing agreement theoretically open to negotiation.

A Vitriolic Floor Debate

The debate on the House floor was characterized by deeply personal exchanges, reflecting the polarized view of the former president’s legacy in Florida.

Arguments in Favor

Republican supporters framed the renaming as a necessary tribute to a “hometown hero.” Representative Dean Black praised the former president’s impact on the region, suggesting that Palm Beach was the birthplace of a new political era.

“With the renaming of this bill… it will officially become a great airport.”

, Rep. John Snyder (R-Stuart), via Florida Phoenix

Sponsors of the bill argued that Trump is the first president to be a Florida resident while in office, justifying the honor regardless of local political sentiment.

Arguments Against

Democrats countered that the renaming was offensive to many Floridians, citing the former president’s history of controversial rhetoric. Representative Michele Rayner delivered one of the most widely shared remarks of the session, questioning the intensity of her colleagues’ devotion to the former president.

“I wish I could find someone to love me the way y’all love Donald Trump.”

, Rep. Michele Rayner (D-St. Petersburg), via Florida Phoenix

Other lawmakers, including Senator Shevrin Jones, have previously argued that honoring a figure with a history of racially charged controversies is an insult to Floridians of color.

AirPro News Analysis

The passage of HB 919 highlights a continuing trend in Florida politics where the state legislature preempts local authority to enforce cultural or political changes. Palm Beach County, a Democratic stronghold that voted against Donald Trump in the 2024 election, has resisted the renaming. By bypassing the county commission, the state legislature is effectively overruling local governance to install a partisan symbol on public infrastructure.

This move follows a precedent set by the renaming of a stretch of Southern Boulevard near Mar-a-Lago to “President Donald J. Trump Boulevard.” The recurrence of these state-level interventions suggests that the legislature is increasingly willing to use its preemption powers to shape the cultural landscape of specific municipalities, regardless of local voter sentiment.

Sources

• Florida Phoenix
• Mitch Perry