Ethiopian Airlines has officially inaugurated the Yabelo Airport in the southern Oromia regional state, marking the first of five ambitious new airport projects set to transform the nation’s aviation landscape. The ceremony, held on 31 August 2025, drew high-ranking government officials, airline executives, and community leaders, who gathered to celebrate what promises to be a catalyst for socio-economic growth in one of Ethiopia’s most culturally rich and historically significant areas.
Located 11 kilometres from Yabelo Town in the Borena Zone, the new facility represents an investment exceeding 1 billion Ethiopian birr, equivalent to roughly 7.1 million euro at current exchange rates. This state-of-the-art airport features a newly constructed airfield, upgraded access roads, a temporary terminal, and essential supporting infrastructure designed to handle growing demands for both passenger and cargo services. From its opening day, Ethiopian Airlines commenced thrice-weekly flights connecting Yabelo to Addis Ababa, operated by efficient De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops, making travel to the capital a swift two-hour journey instead of the arduous multi-day trek by road that locals once endured.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew hailed the inauguration as a “transformative moment” during the event, emphasising the carrier’s unwavering commitment to advancing aviation infrastructure that not only connects communities but also reshapes lives across Ethiopia. “As the flag carrier of our nation, we are immensely proud to bring this reality to fruition,” Tasew declared, underscoring how the airport aligns with Ethiopia’s national development strategy by enhancing accessibility to the southern reaches of Oromia. Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh echoed these sentiments, describing the airport not merely as a runway and taxiway, but as “a pathway to realising our collective dreams,” particularly for the Borena people who have long served as guardians of Ethiopia’s borders and custodians of the ancient Gadaa system of governance.
The impact of Yabelo Airport is already rippling through the local economy, with experts predicting a surge in trade, tourism, and investment opportunities. The Borena Zone, renowned for its pastoralist traditions, stunning wildlife reserves such as the Yabelo Bird Sanctuary and Borana Park, and unique cultural heritage, has long been somewhat isolated due to challenging terrain and limited transport links. Now, with improved air connectivity, visitors can more easily access these treasures, potentially boosting eco-tourism and creating hundreds of jobs in hospitality, guiding services, and related sectors. Local traders, too, stand to benefit, as the airport facilitates faster movement of agricultural goods and livestock to national and international markets, reducing spoilage and increasing profitability.
This inauguration is just the beginning of a broader initiative by Ethiopian Airlines and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics to expand the country’s domestic aviation network from its current 23 airports to 26 by the end of the decade. The remaining four projects under development include facilities in Gore Metu, Mizan Aman, Debre Markos, and Negele Borena, each tailored to serve underserved regions and foster balanced economic development. These efforts are part of Ethiopian Airlines’ visionary “Vision 2035” plan, which aims to position the airline among the world’s top 20 aviation groups while solidifying Ethiopia’s role as Africa’s premier aviation hub. With a modern fleet boasting Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350s, and De Havilland Q400s, the airline already operates flights to over 160 destinations across five continents, earning accolades such as Skytrax’s Best Airline in Africa for eight consecutive years.
As Ethiopia continues to invest heavily in infrastructure – including the much-anticipated Abusera International Airport near Bishoftu, a mega-project valued at up to 10 billion euro with African Development Bank backing – the Yabelo opening signals a bright future for regional integration. While challenges such as securing financing and ensuring sustainable operations remain, the enthusiasm from stakeholders is palpable. Community representatives at the inauguration spoke of newfound hope, with one elder from Borena noting that the airport would “open horizons of connection and promise” for generations to come. With flights now operational and promotional fares available to encourage early adoption, Yabelo Airport is poised to soar, carrying Ethiopia’s ambitions to new heights.
