Ethiopian Airlines to Launch Flights to Three New Domestic Destinations by Mid-April
Ethiopian Airlines is pressing ahead with an ambitious domestic expansion that will see passenger services begin at three newly built airports before the middle of April this year. The carrier confirmed that Negele Borena, Gore (Gore Metu), and Debre Markos will all be added to its route map, each receiving three weekly flights. Once operational, the additions will push the airline's domestic network to an impressive 26 destinations across Ethiopia.
For travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, this development carries real commercial significance. Ethiopia has steadily positioned itself as one of the continent's most important aviation hubs, and every new domestic route creates fresh opportunities to package multi-stop itineraries for clients. Whether visitors are transiting through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport on long-haul journeys or specifically exploring Ethiopia, better domestic connectivity means easier access to regions that were previously difficult to reach by air.
Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew framed the expansion as a landmark moment for both the airline and the nation. He emphasised that connecting more communities to the air transport network will drive regional integration and economic development while giving travellers safe, dependable options to move around the country. These are not empty words — Ethiopian Airlines has a strong track record of following through on such commitments, as demonstrated by the successful launch of services to Yabello Airport in 2025, which became the carrier's 23rd domestic destination.
Each of the three new destinations brings something distinctive to the table. Negele Borena, situated in the southern Oromia region, opens a doorway to a part of Ethiopia rich in pastoral culture and natural landscapes that remain largely undiscovered by international tourists. Gore, also known as Gore Metu, lies in the lush western highlands, an area celebrated for its coffee forests and biodiversity. Debre Markos, located in the Amhara region, serves as a gateway to historical and religious heritage sites that appeal to culturally curious travellers.
The strategic thinking behind these route launches goes beyond simply flying more passengers. By linking smaller cities and towns to the national grid, Ethiopian Airlines is helping to spread tourism revenue more evenly across the country. This is a model that resonates strongly with the broader African travel industry, where there is growing recognition that concentrating all visitor activity in one or two major cities limits both economic impact and the richness of the guest experience.
Agents packaging Ethiopian itineraries should start thinking now about how these new routes could enhance their product offerings. A client visiting Addis Ababa and the historical northern circuit could, for instance, add a side trip to Debre Markos without the need for a lengthy overland journey. Similarly, adventure-focused travellers could combine a visit to the Omo Valley or the southern lakes with a flight into Negele Borena, creating a more varied and memorable programme.
It is also worth noting the frequency model Ethiopian Airlines has chosen. Three flights per week to each destination strikes a sensible balance between building demand and managing operational costs. Should bookings prove strong, there is every reason to expect frequencies will increase over time, making the routes even more practical for tourism planning.
The wider lesson here for the African travel trade is one of momentum. While many carriers on the continent struggle with fleet constraints and route profitability, Ethiopian Airlines continues to invest heavily in both domestic and international growth. The airline already operates the largest network of any African carrier, and its domestic push ensures that Ethiopia itself becomes a richer, more accessible destination year after year.
Travel professionals would do well to keep a close eye on developments as the mid-April launch date approaches. Updating your booking systems, familiarising yourself with the new destinations, and communicating these options to clients early could give you a competitive edge in selling Ethiopia as a must-visit destination in 2026 and beyond.
