Addis Ababa — Ethiopia is preparing to take a major step in aviation connectivity by allowing international flights to operate directly from regional airports instead of routing all traffic through Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.

A New Era for Regional Airports

The announcement was made during a meeting between the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority and private aviation companies on flight services.
According to Ato Endeshaw Yegezu, Advisor for Air Transport and International Affairs, the plan is part of Ethiopia’s strategy to decentralize air connectivity, ease travel burdens, and boost tourism.

Planned Flight Routes

The new network will link regional cities through both domestic and international connections.
Some of the highlighted plans include:

• Mizan Tepe – Jimma – Gambella – Asosa route
• Dire Dawa – Harar – Bale Robe route

This means passengers will no longer have to pass through Addis Ababa to connect between regional destinations.

Opening Regional Gateways to the World

Beyond domestic convenience, Ethiopia is also planning to open international flights from cities such as Bahir Dar, Mekelle, and Dire Dawa.
This is expected to:

• Boost export trade by reducing logistical bottlenecks
• Attract investment into regional hubs
• Support agriculture and industrial development by easing cargo movement

Spiritual Journeys From Regional Airports

In addition to business and tourism travel, regional airports will also cater to religious journeys.
Planned routes include:

• Hajj and Umrah flights from regional hubs
• Pilgrimage routes for Christmas in Lalibela
• Special flights for Timket (Epiphany) in Gondar

Why It Matters

Ethiopia’s aviation expansion signals a shift from centralization to regional integration. By unlocking regional airports for international flights, the country is not only easing passenger travel but also opening up new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange.