Ethiopian Airlines Inaugurates New Yabello Airport Project Alongside New Service to the Airport
- Joe Breitfeller
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Ethiopian Airlines has inaugurated a new airport project at Yabello, located in the southern part of Oromia Regional State. The carrier has also launched new passenger service between Addis Ababa and Yabello.
On Sunday (August 31, 2025), Ethiopian Airlines announced the inauguration of their new airport project in Yabello, along with new passenger service to the airport. This marks the latest milestone in Ethiopia’s regional connectivity and aviation infrastructure development. The inaugural event was attended by high government officials, Ethiopian Airlines’ executives, community representatives, and other stakeholders. At a cost of over ETB 1.0 billion (US $7.0 million), Ethiopian constructed the facility 11 kilometers from Yabello Town in the Oromia regional state. The project includes a new Airfield, access roads to the airport, a temporary terminal, and other facilities.
Speaking at Sunday’s inaugural airport event, Ethiopian Airlines Group’s CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, said,
“The completion of the Yabello Airport project demonstrates Ethiopian Airline’s commitment to advancing aviation infrastructure that transforms lives and connect communities across Ethiopia. This is a transformative moment for the local community and the entire region, and as the flag carrier of Ethiopia, we are proud to have made this moment a reality.”
The new Yabello airport is expected to boost regional trade, tourism, and investment, as it further enhances accessibility to the southern part of Oromia Regional State, fostering socio-economic growth, and supporting Ethiopia’s national development strategy. Yabello is one of several domestic aviation infrastructure projects that Ethiopian Airlines has been developing. The carrier continues to play a central role in expanding Ethiopia’s aviation market, bridging communities, and contributing to the country’s sustainable growth.
Founded in 1945, Ethiopian Airlines is the fastest growing airline in Africa. The carrier commands the largest share of Pan-African passenger and cargo service markets and operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world. In addition to their main hub in Addis Ababa, the carrier is also pursuing a multi-hub strategy through a hub in Lomé (Togo) with ASKY, in Lilongwe (Malawi) with Malawi Airlines, and in Lusaka (Zambia) with Zambia Airways. Ethiopian serves over 160 destinations across five continents with a fleet of ultra-modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, including Boeing 737s, 787-8/9 Dreamliners, 777-300ERs, 777-200LRs, 777-200 Freighters, Airbus A350-900s, A350-1000s, and De Havilland Canada Dash 8-400s.
Source: Ethiopian Airlines
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