Ethiopian Airlines Expands Domestic Network with New Nekemte Route

Ethiopian Airlines, the national carrier of Ethiopia, has announced plans to launch flights to the city of Nekemte in the Oromia region. The new route will commence on June 17, 2024.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recently met with residents of the four Welega zones in Nekemte. During the discussion, locals raised various development concerns. The Prime Minister assured them that the government would work diligently to address these issues and support the city’s progress.

Ethiopian Airlines has announced plans to expand its domestic operations to cater to the rising travel demand within Ethiopia. Lema Yadecha, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, revealed that the national carrier will commence flights to the city of Nekemte in the Oromia region, starting June 17, 2024.

Last month, the CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said that the airline was expecting around 3.5 million domestic passengers by the end of the current budget year, which ends in June. This is an increase of 34.6% from last year’s passenger number.

Currently, Ethiopian Airlines operates flights to more than 136 international and 22 domestic destinations using its fleet of 144 aircraft. By strategically adding new routes within Ethiopia, the national carrier aims to provide greater accessibility and convenience for travelers across the country.

According to Yadecha, the new route will operate four times per week, providing increased connectivity and convenience for passengers traveling to and from Nekemte. This move by Ethiopian Airlines will strengthen its domestic network and support the country’s economic growth.

In addition to its focus on international route expansion, Ethiopian Airlines is also actively working to enhance its domestic network. Lema Yadecha, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, revealed that the company has set an ambitious goal to increase its domestic destinations to 32 by the year 2035.

Ethiopian Airlines will also resume their flights to the Axum in the Tigray region from June 1, 2024. The resumption of flights to Tigray is expected to boost the tourism sector which had been heavily affected by the conflict. “Since the northern part of Ethiopia is a historical travel route, the start of flights will increase the flow of tourists. In this way, Ethiopian Airlines will earn more income.  Ethiopia as a country too will get its due benefits,” the CEO said recently.

Other Stories

Oromia Bank Disburses 43.5B Birr Loan