Ethiopian Airlines Plans International Flights from Regional Airports
The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority has shared a plan to start international flights from regional airports like Bahir Dar, Mekelle, and Dire Dawa. This plan of Ethiopian Airlines will begin in the 2025/26 fiscal year, making it more straightforward for people to fly directly to global spots without always going through Addis Ababa. In this article, we’ll explain what this means, why it’s happening, and how it could help tourists, businesses, and locals. Let’s dive in!
Why International Flights from Regional Airports Matter
Ethiopia is a country full of amazing sights, from ancient history in Lalibela to stunning lakes in Bahir Dar. But until now, most international flights have used Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport as the central hub. That often means extra stops and longer trips for people in other parts of the country.
Starting in the 2025/26 fiscal year, things will change. The Ethiopian government wants to expand air travel.
This means direct international flights from places like:
Bahir Dar Airport: Near Lake Tana, great for tourists exploring northern Ethiopia.
Mekelle Airport: In the Tigray region, close to rock-hewn churches and mountains.
Dire Dawa Airport: In the east, a key spot for trade with nearby countries like Djibouti and Somalia.
These flights will connect to destinations in Africa, Europe, Asia, and more. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s biggest airline, will likely run many of these routes. It’s all part of a plan to make Ethiopia a top travel spot in Africa.
What Sparked This Big Change?
Ethiopia’s aviation world is growing fast. Recent news shows the country passed safety checks by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2024. This green light opened doors for new ideas. Posts on social media show people are excited. Users talk about how this could boost local economies.
For example, one post highlighted how direct flights from regional spots could help exporters send goods faster to growing markets. Plus, Ethiopian Airlines is already adding routes. They’re increasing flights to places like Abuja in Nigeria (up to 10 weekly starting October 2025) and starting new ones to Abu Dhabi in the UAE.
This regional push fits into their big vision for 2025 and beyond. The government is also building a substantial new airport in Bishoftu near Addis Ababa. It will cost about $10 billion and handle over 60 million passengers a year. Once done, Bole Airport might focus more on domestic flights, while regional airports take on international ones.
Benefits for Travelers, Tourists, and Businesses
After starting the international flights from regional airports by Ethiopian Airlines, businesses, tourists, and travelers will get various benefits.
Easier Travel for Locals: People in Bahir Dar or Mekelle won’t need to fly to Addis first. Save time and money on trips to Europe or Asia.
Boost to Tourism: Imagine flying straight from Europe to Bahir Dar for a lake vacation. More visitors mean more jobs in hotels, guides, and shops.
Trade and Business Growth: Ethiopia exports coffee, flowers, and more. Direct flights from Dire Dawa could speed up shipping to markets in the Middle East or Africa.
Cultural Connections: Families and friends abroad can visit home regions without hassle. It strengthens ties between Ethiopia and the world.
Numbers back this up. Ethiopia’s aviation sector is booming, with nearly 380 flights a day at Bole Airport alone. Adding regional international options could double that impact.
Challenges and What to Expect
Not everything is perfect. Building up regional airports might take time. They need better runways, terminals, and staff for international standards. But with help from groups like the African Development Bank (AfDB), Ethiopia is moving fast.
Recently, The Office of the Federal Auditor General (OFAG) has uncovered more than 17 billion birr in financial waste and mismanagement. This Ethiopian Auditor General report, released in August 2025. To keep these projects transparent could be a challenge for relevant authorities.
Final Thoughts
International flights from regional airports in Ethiopia are a game-changer. Starting in 2025/26, they’ll make travel quicker, boost the economy, and open doors to the world. Whether you’re a tourist dreaming of Ethiopian adventures or a business owner eyeing new markets, this is exciting news.