Author: Lisbeth Juliao

Gondar Airport, also known as Atse Tewodros Airport, plays a crucial role in connecting the northern Amhara Region of Ethiopia to the rest of the country. Located 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of Gondar, the airport serves as a vital transportation link to this historic city. Gondar Airport holds special significance as it is named after Emperor Tewodros II of Ethiopia, often referred to as Atse Tewodros.

Situated at an elevation of 1,994 meters (6,542 feet) above sea level, Gondar Airport boasts one runway designated as 17/35. This runway features an asphalt surface and measures 2,700 by 45 meters (8,858 by 148 feet). These facilities are essential for ensuring smooth air travel operations in and out of the airport. Gondar, with its rich history and cultural heritage, attracts travelers from various parts of Ethiopia and beyond, and Gondar Airport plays a pivotal role in facilitating their journeys to this historically significant city.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, situated in the Bole district of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, serves as a vital international gateway to the city and the region. This airport, formerly known as Haile Selassie I International Airport, plays a central role in connecting Ethiopia to numerous domestic and international destinations. It serves as the primary hub for Ethiopian Airlines, the national carrier, facilitating travel to various locations in Ethiopia, across Africa, and globally. As of June 2018, the airport was a bustling hub with almost 380 daily flight departures and arrivals.

The airport’s history traces back to the 1960s when Ethiopian Airlines realized that the existing runway at Lidetta was too short for its new Boeing 720 jet aircraft. Subsequently, a new airport was constructed at Bole, leading to the development of what is now known as Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. Over the years, the airport underwent several expansion phases, including the addition of parallel runways, construction of new terminals, control towers, and modern infrastructure. These developments not only catered to the growing aviation needs but also positioned the airport as one of Africa’s major aviation hubs.

In 2019, the airport achieved a significant milestone with the expansion of Terminal 2, inaugurated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The airport’s ongoing efforts in expansion and modernization demonstrate its commitment to meet the increasing demand for air travel in Ethiopia and the wider region. Addis Ababa Bole International Airport stands as a vital transportation hub, connecting people and goods to and from Ethiopia, making it an essential part of the country’s infrastructure and contributing to its economic growth and development.

Asosa Airport is a crucial gateway to Asosa, the capital of Ethiopia’s western Benishangul-Gumuz Region. This airport is vital in connecting this region to the broader transportation network. Situated 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) southeast of the city, Asosa Airport serves as a key point of access for travelers visiting or departing from this part of Ethiopia.

At an elevation of 1,561 meters (5,121 feet) above sea level, Asosa Airport offers essential air travel facilities. It features a single runway designated as 11/29 with an asphalt surface measuring 1,950 by 46 meters (6,398 by 151 feet). This runway is crucial for ensuring smooth flight operations to and from Asosa, connecting the region to other parts of the country. Asosa, with its unique cultural and natural attractions, benefits greatly from the presence of this airport, facilitating travel and accessibility for the local population and visitors alike.

Aba Segud Airport, alternatively known as Jimma Airport, plays a pivotal role in serving Jimma, a vibrant city located in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia. This airport is strategically positioned just 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) southwest of the city, making it a crucial transportation hub for the region.

Situated at an elevation of 5,587 feet (1,703 meters) above sea level, Aba Segud Airport boasts essential air travel facilities. It features a single runway, designated as 13/31, with an asphalt surface measuring 3,300 by 50 meters (10,827 by 164 feet). This well-maintained runway facilitates the smooth operation of flights to and from Jimma, ensuring the city remains well-connected to the broader air transportation network.

With its strategic location and quality infrastructure, Aba Segud Airport, or Jimma Airport, is vital for the local population and visitors to the city. The airport serves as a gateway, offering convenient access to Jimma and its surroundings, contributing to regional development and connectivity.

Wilwal International Airport, also known as Garaad Wiil-Waal Airport, serves as a vital air transportation link to Jijiga, the capital city of Ethiopia’s Somali Region. Situated at coordinates 09°19′56″N and 42°54′43″E, the airport is strategically located 12 kilometers (7 miles) to the east of the city. It bears the name of the seventeenth-century ruler of Jijiga, Garad Wiil-Waal, reflecting its historical significance to the region.

Jijiga’s aviation history dates back to 1929 when the first airfield was constructed in the city. In July 1930, Jijiga witnessed one of Ethiopia’s early aviation incidents, involving a Fiat AS-1 aircraft. The airport served as a hub for air pilot training in the country, with successful tests conducted at Wilwal International Airport by pioneers Mishka Babitcheff and Asfaw Ali in September 1930. Over the years, it also played a role as one of the bases for the Ethiopian Air Force in the 1990s.

Wilwal International Airport is located at an elevation of 5,413 feet (1,650 meters) above sea level and boasts a well-maintained runway designated as 03/21. This asphalt-surfaced runway measures 2,400 by 45 meters (7,874 by 148 feet), providing essential infrastructure for air travel to and from Jijiga, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for the Somali Region and its capital city.

Gode Airport, officially known as Ugaas Mirad Ugaas Leyli Airport, is a crucial aviation facility situated in the town of Gode, Ethiopia. Perched at an elevation of 254 meters above sea level, the airport plays a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity in the region. It boasts a well-constructed runway that spans 2,288 meters in length and 35 meters in width. This essential infrastructure supports both military and civilian aviation operations.

The airport’s construction, initiated in 1965, was carried out by the prominent Swedish construction firm, Skanska. It reached a significant milestone when Emperor Haile Selassie formally inaugurated it on June 10, 1966. While it originally served as a military air base, Gode Airport evolved to accommodate civil flights, further contributing to regional development and connectivity. Today, the airport stands as a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering aviation accessibility and connectivity in the Gode region and beyond.

Dire Dawa International Airport is a pivotal transportation hub that serves the vibrant city of Dire Dawa in eastern Ethiopia. Located just 5 kilometers (3 miles) northwest of the city center, the airport provides essential connectivity for this region. Situated at an elevation of 3,829 feet (1,167 meters) above sea level, the airport offers a vital gateway for domestic and international travelers.

The airport boasts a well-maintained runway, designated as 15/33, with a smooth asphalt surface measuring 2,679 meters in length and 45 meters in width. This runway plays a crucial role in facilitating various flights, ensuring efficient take-offs and landings for both passenger and cargo aircraft. Dire Dawa International Airport’s strategic location, combined with its modern facilities, enhances the city’s accessibility and connectivity, contributing to the growth and development of the region.

Dire Dawa International Airport stands as a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to providing excellent air transportation services. Its efficient runway and prime location make it a vital link for travelers coming to or departing from Dire Dawa, and its impact extends beyond the city’s borders, connecting this part of eastern Ethiopia with the rest of the world.

Gambela Airport, also known as Gambella Airport, is a vital air transportation hub serving Gambela, the capital city of the Gambela Region in Ethiopia. The airport plays a significant role in connecting this region to the broader Ethiopian network. Situated approximately 17 kilometers (11 miles) to the south of the city, it facilitates both domestic and regional travel, enhancing accessibility to this part of the country. Additionally, the airport serves as a gateway to the spectacular Gambela National Park, making it an essential infrastructure for tourists and conservation efforts.

At an elevation of 1,771 feet (540 meters) above sea level, Gambela Airport offers a critical landing point for various aircraft. It features a well-maintained runway, designated as 18/36, with a concrete surface measuring 2,514 meters in length and 45 meters in width. The airport’s topography and facilities support a range of aviation activities, ensuring that passengers can efficiently access the city and its surrounding natural attractions.

Gambela Airport stands as an important transportation link, fostering regional development and tourism opportunities while serving the needs of the local community and travelers from far and wide. Its strategic location and well-maintained facilities contribute to Ethiopia’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and accessibility, making Gambela and its beautiful surroundings more accessible to the world.

Bahir Dar Airport, also recognized as Dejazmach Belay Zeleke Airport, is a key aviation facility serving Bahir Dar, the capital city of Ethiopia’s Amhara Region. The airport plays a pivotal role in connecting Bahir Dar with the rest of the country and the world. Situated approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) to the west of Bahir Dar and in close proximity to Lake Tana, this airport facilitates domestic and military air travel.

At an elevation of 5,976 feet (1,821 meters) above sea level, Bahir Dar Airport boasts one well-maintained runway designated as 04/22. This runway features a sturdy asphalt concrete surface and spans an impressive 3,000 meters in length by 61 meters in width. The airport is aptly equipped to handle a variety of aircraft, enabling smooth take-offs and landings for both commercial and military flights. Its strategic location near Lake Tana enhances the city’s accessibility, making it a prominent transportation hub in the Amhara Region.

Bahir Dar Airport’s significance extends beyond serving the general public. It also plays a vital role in facilitating the operations of the Ethiopian Air Force. With its modern facilities and prime location, the airport enhances connectivity, promotes economic development, and contributes to the growth of Bahir Dar and the surrounding regions.

Arba Minch Airport is a pivotal aviation hub serving the vibrant city of Arba Minch, nestled in the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR) of Ethiopia. This airport plays a crucial role in connecting the region to domestic and international destinations. Located approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) northeast of the city center, it offers travelers convenient access to the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Lake Abaya.

Situated at an elevation of 1,187 meters (3,894 feet) above sea level, Arba Minch Airport boasts an ideal location for aviation operations. It features a well-maintained runway designated as 03/21, constructed with an asphalt concrete surface that spans 2,800 meters in length by 45 meters in width. This robust infrastructure ensures the airport can accommodate various aircraft, facilitating the transportation of passengers and goods to and from Arba Minch. Whether you’re a visitor exploring the diverse cultural and natural treasures of the SNNPR or a local resident, this airport serves as a vital gateway to the many attractions in the region.

The proximity of Arba Minch Airport to Lake Abaya and the surrounding picturesque landscapes makes it a starting point for travelers embarking on remarkable journeys. From the airport, visitors have easy access to adventure, wildlife, and the rich cultural heritage of the SNNPR, making it a significant contributor to tourism in the region. As Ethiopia continues to grow and connect with the world, the role of airports like Arba Minch becomes increasingly important, facilitating travel, trade, and economic development in this enchanting part of the country.