PM Abiy Inaugurates Modernized King Tekle Haymanot Airport in Debre Markos

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday inaugurated the newly modernized King Tekle Haymanot Airport in Debre Markos city, Amhara region of Ethiopia.

The project restores air connectivity to the area after nearly three decades, marking a major milestone in Ethiopia's ongoing efforts to modernize transport infrastructure and accelerate regional economic transformation.

The Prime Minister wrote on X that the airport, long awaited by residents of Debre Markos and surrounding communities, has undergone a comprehensive reconstruction and upgrade after remaining out of service for almost 30 years.

 

The rehabilitated facility has been rebuilt to a higher operational standard and now features a 2,400-meter-long and 30-meter-wide runway, enabling it to accommodate larger passenger and cargo aircraft, including the De Havilland Canada Q400 and Boeing 737, PM Abiy pointed out.

The upgraded airport is expected to enhance domestic connectivity while serving as a key driver of trade, investment, tourism and logistics in East Gojjam Zone and neighboring areas.

 Its reopening is also anticipated to strengthen market access, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and create new economic opportunities for businesses and local communities.

Prime Minister Abiy further said the commencement of airport operations opens a new chapter for the economic development of the area while contributing to Ethiopia's broader national growth agenda through improved infrastructure and connectivity.

 

He emphasized that the government remains committed to delivering transformative development projects that directly address the needs of citizens and improve livelihoods across the country.

"By turning challenges into opportunities, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment through action—responding step by step to our people's development needs and completing the mega projects we have launched with both quality and speed so they can be delivered for public use," the Prime Minister stated.

 

The inauguration of King Tekle Haymanot Airport underscores Ethiopia's continued investment in strategic infrastructure aimed at expanding domestic as well as regional connectivity, it was indicated.