Ethiopian Airlines Opens New Yabello Airport in Southern Oromia

(YABELLO) Ethiopian Airlines has opened the new Yabello Airport in southern Oromia, launching scheduled passenger service after an inauguration on August 31, 2025. The carrier confirmed the facility is fully operational and now part of its domestic network, with three weekly flights linking Yabello to the rest of the country. Executives described the airport as a cornerstone in a broader strategy to expand access across Ethiopia and support jobs, trade, and tourism for the Borena Zone.

The airport sits about 11 kilometers from Yabello town and began handling passengers immediately after the ribbon cutting on August 31, 2025. Ethiopian Airlines said the route will be served by its Dash 8-400 aircraft, which are well suited for regional operations and short runways. For families traveling from Addis Ababa or onward from international flights, the new link means cutting hours off long road journeys, especially during rainy seasons when roads can be difficult.

Project managers placed the total construction cost at more than 1 billion Ethiopian Birr (ETB), roughly $7.1 million USD, to build a new airfield, access roads, a temporary terminal, and supporting systems. The project timeline reflects the airline’s domestic buildout, which now reaches 23 destinations including Yabello. Company leaders say this growth is part of the carrier’s “Vision 2035” plan to rank among the world’s top aviation groups through investment in both domestic and international infrastructure.

At the opening, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew framed the airport as a commitment to connect communities and “transform lives” through reliable air service, pointing to expected gains for commerce and tourism in Borena. Board Chairman Lieutenant General Yilma Merdasa called the launch a milestone for the region and outlined priorities such as training the workforce, expanding facilities, and modernizing the fleet.

The ceremony drew Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh and senior federal and regional officials alongside local community leaders, signaling firm government support.

Strategic and Economic Rationale

Aviation analysts say the new facility will help decentralize air travel by easing reliance on Addis Ababa Bole International Airport while spreading economic opportunity to the south. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, bringing scheduled flights to Yabello Airport also supports travel plans for the Ethiopian diaspora, aid workers, and investors who arrive internationally and then need dependable domestic connections.

This link matters in immigration terms: people with valid visas often plan multi-city itineraries, and safe, regular domestic flights can influence where they spend time, invest, and bring family members for visits.

Regional Mobility and Economic Impact

Local officials expect the airport to attract investment and boost small businesses that supply hotels, transport, and goods to travelers. Faster access to national markets helps traders moving livestock products, gemstones, or agricultural goods from Borena by reducing spoilage and cutting transport costs.

Tourism operators see new itineraries that pair cultural sites and Rift Valley landscapes with short flight times, making weekend trips possible for residents and visitors.

Community leaders also highlight social benefits:

• Quicker medical referrals to larger hospitals
• Easier reunions for families separated by distance
• Stronger people-to-people ties across Oromia and beyond

The new service can be especially helpful during drought or flood responses, when air links speed relief movements and technical teams. Ethiopian Airlines says building domestic capacity is essential to meeting both everyday demand and emergency needs.

Regulatory and Official Information

The airport’s launch fits within Ethiopia’s civil aviation oversight framework, with operations subject to safety and security standards enforced by the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority.

• For official information about airport certification, air operator requirements, or passenger safety rules, consult: Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority

What Travelers Should Know Now

Ethiopian Airlines has added Yabello to its booking channels, including its website and call center. Travelers planning a domestic trip can expect a short hop on the Dash 8-400, with connections commonly timed to and from Addis Ababa.

Key traveler notes:

• Booking and schedules: Check Ethiopian Airlines’ official site at Ethiopian Airlines Corporate Website for the latest timetable, fares, and travel updates.
• Frequency: The carrier is operating three flights per week on the route, with adjustments possible based on demand.
• Airport access: The terminal lies 11 km from Yabello town; allow extra time for road travel during peak hours or heavy rain.
• Customer service: Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa call center is reachable at +251 116 179 900 for ticketing and disruption support.
• Baggage and ID: Domestic travel rules apply; passengers should bring the same identification used for other internal flights and follow posted baggage limits.

Network Growth and Vision 2035

The airport’s opening adds to recent domestic steps by Ethiopian Airlines, including new routes and facility upgrades in Gode, Jinka, Dembi Dollo, and Axum. Executives say these projects spread economic benefits and make it easier for business travelers, students, and families to plan trips that once required days on the road.

Under “Vision 2035,” the group aims to expand both fleet size and destinations, while developing infrastructure such as a proposed international airport in Bishoftu. The idea is to keep Addis Ababa as a strong hub, but also grow regional gateways that can take pressure off crowded facilities and shorten domestic connections.

Industry observers note this strategy aligns with demand patterns in a country where distances are vast and seasonal conditions can slow road transport.

Jobs, Training, and Local Development

Speakers at the inauguration emphasized training and jobs for local residents. Airport operations need:

• Technicians
• Ground handlers
• Security staff
• Customer service agents

Indirect employment will expand too—drivers, food suppliers, and small shops that serve passengers. These jobs can help young people stay in the area, support household incomes, and reduce the need to move to larger cities for work.

While the terminal is currently a temporary facility, officials say it meets operational needs and can expand when traffic increases. Early performance will matter:

1. If flights maintain solid loads, Ethiopian Airlines can justify more frequencies or larger aircraft.
2. If demand lags, targeted promotion to tourists, traders, and aid groups could help stabilize bookings.
3. Local government is expected to improve feeder roads and services near the terminal to match growing traffic.

Community and Symbolic Importance

For residents of Borena, the airport provides a faster link to Addis Ababa and other parts of the country. Benefits include:

• Reduced travel time and stress for parents sending students to universities
• Easier logistics for entrepreneurs sourcing supplies
• Simplified single-itinerary bookings for people arriving from abroad

The launch also carries symbolic weight: creating an airport at Yabello shows national authorities and Ethiopian Airlines are willing to invest in areas that had limited access, even when terrain and weather add complexity. That helps build trust and supports a more balanced pattern of development across regions.

What to Watch Next

As schedules settle after the August 31, 2025 inauguration, travelers should watch for:

• Fare sales and holiday adjustments
• Cargo service options and rates
• Any increases in frequency or aircraft size based on demand
• Local infrastructure improvements (roads, services) around the terminal

Airline managers say they will keep listening to feedback and refine services as the route matures. If the Yabello Airport model holds, similar projects may follow, bringing more communities onto the country’s air map.