Yabello – Ethiopian Airlines Group, Africa’s largest and most awarded airline, has officially inaugurated its new airport project in Yabello, Southern Oromia Regional State, alongside the launch of passenger services to the new facility.

The milestone project, built at a cost of over 1 billion ETB, represents a major boost to Ethiopia’s domestic aviation infrastructure and regional development. Located 11 kilometers from Yabello Town in Borena Zone, the airport features a new airfield, access roads, a temporary terminal, and supporting facilities designed to improve connectivity and open new opportunities for the people of Borena and beyond.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, hailed the new airport as a “gateway of hope and development.”

“The Yabelo Airport is more than just a runway and taxiway—it is a pathway to realizing our collective dreams,” he said. “This airport answers a long-standing call for progress and stands as a bridge connecting history with the future, heritage with advancement, and people with opportunity—opening horizons of connection and promise.”

Mr. Tasew paid tribute to the Borena people, describing them as guardians of Ethiopia’s borders, keepers of the ancient Gada system, and examples of resilience in the face of drought and hardship. He emphasized that the airport will empower the community by expanding access to markets, tourism, and investment, while also showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The new airport is expected to significantly boost trade, tourism, and socio-economic activity in Southern Oromia. It also aligns with Ethiopia’s broader development strategy by strengthening domestic air transport, fostering unity, and deepening people-to-people interaction across the country.

For Ethiopian Airlines, Yabello marks another success in its long-term vision of expanding aviation infrastructure and bridging communities within Ethiopia and across Africa. The airline, which operates flights to more than 160 destinations worldwide, has become a model of African excellence and global competitiveness, winning Skytrax’s “Best Airline in Africa” for eight consecutive years.

As the carrier pursues its Vision 2035 strategy to rank among the world’s top 20 leading aviation groups, projects like Yabello Airport reflect its dual mission: driving connectivity while fueling national growth.

The inauguration was attended by senior government officials, airline executives, community leaders, and stakeholders, all celebrating what has been described as a historic milestone for Borena Zone.

“Congratulations to the people of Borena and Yabelo City on this historic achievement,” Tasew concluded. “This airport is your bridge to opportunity, and together, we will continue building a more accessible, connected, and prosperous Ethiopia.”