Ethiopia opens new regional airport

Another airport has opened in Ethiopia, continuing the government's efforts to expand regional air connections. The newly opened airport is Negelle Borena Geda Airport (also known as Negelle Borana Airport) in the Oromia region of southern Ethiopia. The airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The airport is Ethiopian Airlines' 24th domestic destination. Three weekly flights will operate from the airport immediately. The airport is designed to accommodate larger aircraft, including the Boeing 737 Max. It aims to improve access to the southern region and promote local, cross-border, and tourism. This airport completes a trio of new domestic airports announced by Ethiopian Airlines in February 2026 – the other two, Gore Metu and Debre Markos, have already commenced passenger operations. The expansion is part of Ethiopia's broader efforts to improve connectivity across the country. Ethiopian tiktem @https://iol.co.za/news/africa/2026-05-27-ethiopia-opens-new-regional-airport/