Ethiopian Airlines Launches Yabello Airport and New Passenger Flights, Boosting Southern Oromia Conn
The Ethiopian aviation landscape has taken another step forward with the inauguration of a brand-new airport in Yabello, Southern Oromia Regional State, led by the Ethiopian Airlines Group. Marking this milestone, the airline simultaneously launched a new thrice-weekly passenger service to Yabello, further strengthening regional air access and economic integration in one of Ethiopia’s most promising growth corridors.
The grand opening ceremony was a vibrant affair, attended by Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Temesgen Tiruneh, senior officials from regional and federal governments, Ethiopian Airlines executives, and enthusiastic members of the local community. The event underscored the national significance of expanding air infrastructure to underserved areas and the critical role aviation plays in connecting people, fostering development, and enhancing the movement of goods and services across the country.
With this new airport and scheduled service, Yabello is now firmly on Ethiopia’s aviation map. Situated in the southern part of Oromia, the town is well positioned to benefit from increased passenger flows, tourism, and business activity. The thrice-weekly flights will provide residents and enterprises with quicker, more reliable access to Addis Ababa and Ethiopia’s broader domestic network, opening up new opportunities for trade, education, and cultural exchange.
The Yabello airport project exemplifies Ethiopian Airlines Group’s commitment to infrastructure development as a driver of regional transformation. By investing in modern airports and launching targeted domestic routes, the airline is helping to bridge regional disparities and promote inclusive growth. This strategy is particularly important in Ethiopia, where road networks remain a challenge in remote or rural zones, making air connectivity a vital enabler of social and economic progress.
For Africa’s travel and tourism sector, the Yabello initiative sends a clear message: expanding secondary airports and boosting regional air service can unlock untapped tourism potential and stimulate local economies. The region surrounding Yabello features unique landscapes, cultural heritage sites, and wildlife attractions—assets that can be harnessed to attract both domestic and international visitors. Improved air access will make it easier for tour operators, hoteliers, and local entrepreneurs to develop and market new products, creating jobs and diversifying revenue streams.
The project also aligns with Ethiopian Airlines’ broader strategy of reinforcing its status as a pan-African carrier dedicated to world-class standards. By enhancing air transport infrastructure in strategic locations, the airline is setting the stage for increased passenger volumes, improved logistics, and growth in ancillary sectors such as hospitality, retail, and ground transportation.
As the Yabello airport begins operations, travel professionals are encouraged to explore new tour packages and business partnerships that leverage this enhanced connectivity. The move demonstrates the value of coordinated investment between national carriers, government authorities, and local communities—an approach that can be replicated in other regions to accelerate Africa’s aviation-driven development agenda.
With its latest expansion, Ethiopian Airlines Group reinforces its leadership in Africa’s aviation sector and provides a tangible boost to Southern Oromia’s economic and tourism prospects. The Yabello project stands as a testament to the transformative impact that targeted infrastructure and thoughtful route development can have on regional prosperity and national cohesion.
