Ejiro Efenudu
Ethiopian Airlines has officially commenced commercial flight operations to the newly inaugurated Yabelo Airport in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, a development expected to transform trade, tourism, and connectivity across the Borena Zone and beyond.
The inaugural flight, which touched down on Sunday morning, was welcomed with traditional water salutes and cultural displays, signaling the importance of the occasion for both the airline and the local communities.
Strategic Expansion into Southern Ethiopia
Located in Yabelo, the administrative capital of Borena Zone, the new airport is part of Ethiopia’s broader national strategy to boost infrastructure development and strengthen regional air transport. The airport is expected to serve as a gateway to southern Ethiopia, an area with vast tourism potential, untapped mineral resources, and growing cross-border trade activities with neighboring Kenya.
Speaking during the inauguration, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, highlighted the significance of the new route in connecting remote areas to the rest of the country and the wider world.
“This milestone underscores our commitment to bridging regions and communities through safe, efficient, and reliable air transport. Yabelo Airport opens new opportunities for investment, tourism, and cultural exchange. As Ethiopia’s flag carrier, we are proud to lead this chapter in the growth of our southern regions,” Tasew stated.
Boost for Trade and Cross-Border Connectivity
The Borena Zone, which shares proximity with northern Kenya, is strategically positioned for livestock trade, agricultural exchange, and small-scale industries. With the operationalization of Yabelo Airport, traders and business stakeholders are optimistic about reduced travel time, easier cargo transport, and expanded market access.
Local officials noted that the airport will strengthen the corridor linking Ethiopia’s Oromia region to Kenya’s Marsabit and Isiolo counties, helping stimulate bilateral trade and regional integration under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“This project is not just about flights; it is about linking people and economies. Our livestock and agricultural products can now reach new markets faster and more efficiently,” remarked Borena Zone Administrator, Abdi Jilo.
Tourism Opportunities in Southern Ethiopia
The opening of Yabelo Airport also brings renewed hope for the development of tourism in the region. The Borena Zone is home to unique cultural heritage, traditional Borena Oromo lifestyles, and stunning natural attractions such as the El Sod Crater (a natural salt lake), the Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary, and parts of the Great Rift Valley landscapes.
With improved air access, tourism stakeholders believe Yabelo could emerge as a new hotspot for eco-tourism and cultural exploration. Hotels, tour operators, and local artisans are already positioning themselves to benefit from the expected rise in visitors.
“Yabelo has long remained under the radar despite its rich attractions. With direct flights now operational, we anticipate a steady flow of domestic and international tourists, which will boost community incomes and promote cultural preservation,” said Ayantu Boru, a local tourism entrepreneur.
Government’s Commitment to Infrastructure Growth
The inauguration of Yabelo Airport is part of Ethiopia’s wider infrastructure expansion program, aimed at improving mobility and reducing isolation for communities in remote parts of the country. The federal government, in collaboration with the Oromia regional administration, emphasized that modern airports are key to unlocking economic growth, ensuring security, and enhancing service delivery.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Transport and Logistics, Alemu Sime, described the Yabelo project as a critical milestone in decentralizing aviation opportunities.
“We are working to ensure that no region is left behind in Ethiopia’s development journey. Airports like Yabelo are vital tools for integration, peace-building, and economic resilience,” the Minister stated.
Ethiopian Airlines’ Expanding Domestic Network
For Ethiopian Airlines, the launch of flights to Yabelo represents yet another step in strengthening its domestic presence. Already Africa’s largest airline in terms of destinations and fleet size, the carrier has been aggressively expanding its network across Ethiopia to improve accessibility to remote regions.
Yabelo becomes one of several new destinations added to Ethiopian’s growing domestic schedule in 2025, aligning with the government’s goal of ensuring that no Ethiopian is more than an hour’s flight away from the nearest airport.
The airline confirmed that it will operate multiple weekly flights to Yabelo, using Dash 8-400 aircraft, known for their efficiency and ability to serve shorter routes with smaller airfields.
Community Reactions and Outlook
The inaugural flight drew hundreds of residents, local leaders, and business stakeholders, who celebrated the moment as a turning point for the region. For many, it was the first time they had witnessed a commercial aircraft land in Yabelo.
Community leaders expressed optimism that the airport would help reduce youth unemployment by spurring new investments in tourism, hospitality, and logistics. Farmers and pastoralists equally voiced hopes that livestock markets in Kenya and other parts of Ethiopia would now become more accessible.
Looking ahead, stakeholders are urging the government and Ethiopian Airlines to complement the new airport with supporting infrastructure such as better road links, hospitality investments, and skills training for the local workforce.
Conclusion
The commencement of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Yabelo Airport marks a historic milestone in Ethiopia’s aviation and regional development story. Beyond easing mobility, the project is poised to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and unlock the tourism potential of the Borena Zone.
As Ethiopia continues to prioritize infrastructure as a pathway to national transformation, Yabelo Airport stands as a symbol of inclusivity and progress, bridging communities and connecting Ethiopia’s southern gateway to the wider world.
