Ethiopian Airlines to Launch Yabelo Airport, Expanding Domestic Network in Oromia
Ethiopian Airlines has announced the inauguration of the newly constructed Yabelo Airport in Yabelo town, Borana Zone, Oromia region, scheduled for 31 August 2025. The launch will be marked by the introduction of three weekly flights, further strengthening Ethiopia’s domestic air connectivity and opening new opportunities for regional development and tourism.
The new airport, developed in response to local economic and social demands, covers 83.7 hectares and features a 45-meter-wide, 2.6-kilometer-long runway designed for dual-direction use depending on wind conditions. Construction began on 23 July 2021, led by the Oromia Regional State and Borana Zone administration, reflecting a collaborative approach to infrastructure investment that aligns with Ethiopia’s broader strategy of decentralizing growth and improving access to underserved regions.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Yabelo Airport is part of a wider push to expand Ethiopia’s aviation infrastructure. The country currently boasts 21 domestic airports, with five more under construction and expected to become operational in the coming months. This rapid expansion is positioning Ethiopia as a leader in regional air transport, supporting both passenger and cargo movement across the Horn of Africa.
The opening of Yabelo Airport is expected to have a transformative impact on the Borana Zone and the wider Oromia region. Improved air access will facilitate the movement of people and goods, stimulate local tourism, and attract investment in sectors such as agriculture, livestock, and trade. For Ethiopian Airlines, the new route offers an opportunity to diversify its domestic network, tap into new markets, and reinforce its reputation as Africa’s most expansive and reliable carrier.
For Africa’s travel and tourism professionals, the Yabelo Airport project is a clear signal of the growing importance of secondary cities and regional hubs in the continent’s aviation landscape. As more airports come online, travel industry stakeholders can expect increased demand for accommodation, ground transport, and tour services in previously under-served destinations. This trend is likely to drive innovation in product development, encourage partnerships with local communities, and create new revenue streams for both established and emerging travel businesses.
The Yabelo Airport inauguration also highlights the critical role of infrastructure in supporting inclusive growth and regional integration. By connecting remote areas to national and international networks, Ethiopia is laying the groundwork for balanced development and greater economic resilience. The project’s completion demonstrates what can be achieved through coordinated efforts between government, regional authorities, and the private sector—a model that other African countries may look to replicate as they seek to unlock the full potential of their own aviation sectors.
As Ethiopian Airlines prepares to launch flights to Yabelo, the message to Africa’s travel industry is clear: investment in regional airports is not just about transportation—it is about creating new gateways for trade, tourism, and opportunity. The Yabelo Airport stands as a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to connectivity, and its opening is set to usher in a new era of growth for the Borana Zone and beyond.
