Regional

Ethiopian Airlines launches flights to new Nekemte Gudina Tumsa Airport

A file photo of an Ethiopian Airlines plane. (Photo: X/ Ethiopian Airlines)

By Erick Kariuki | Monday, June 17, 2024

"Our joy is doubled as we celebrate the completion of the new Gudina Tumsa Airport project and the commencement of a new service."

Ethiopian Airlines, the national carrier of Ethiopia, has launched three weekly flights to the city of Nekemte after the inaugural flight landed at the Gudina Tumsa Airport.

In a statement, the airline stated that the flights will start on Monday, June 17.

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The flights will occur simultaneously with the completion of the airport airfield and passenger access projects at the airport.

Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive officer, Mesfin Tasew, while inaugurating the completion of airport airfield and passenger access projects in the airport, said, "Our joy is doubled as we celebrate the completion of the new Gudina Tumsa Airport project and the commencement of a new service."

"This project is part of our vision to expand our domestic destinations nationwide with a firm determination to strengthen regional connectivity. And we are truly pleased to witness the completion of yet another aviation facility project and service commencement."

During discussions with the local people of the Nekemte region, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assured them that the government would work diligently to address their issues and support the city's development.

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele speaks at the Atse Yohannes IV Airport in Axum on June 9, 2024, following the resumption of domestic flights. (Photo: X/Ethiopian Airlines)

The construction of Nekemte Gudina Tumsa International Airport was completed for 1.3 billion birr. This new airport is expected to significantly improve market access for the region's agricultural products, particularly coffee and fruits, through Ethiopian Airlines' new route.

The new route will provide increased connectivity and convenience for passengers travelling to and from Nekemte. This initiative by Ethiopian Airlines will further strengthen its domestic network and support the country's economic growth.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport Terminal I, Axum Yohannes IV Airport, Jinka Airport Terminal, and Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport, are some of the projects inaugurated in the recent past, with more others set to be completed soon.

Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to over 136 international and 23 domestic destinations with its fleet of 144 aircraft.

By strategically adding new routes within Ethiopia, the national carrier aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for travellers across the country.