Debre Markos Airport Fulfills Long-Standing Community Aspiration, Says Regional Chief Administrator

Addis Ababa, July 12, 2026 (ENA) —The inauguration of the modernized Debre Markos Nigus Tekle Haimanot Airport marks the fulfillment of a decades-long aspiration of the local community, Amhara Regional State Chief Administrator Arega Kebede said.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today inaugurated the airport in Debre Markos, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia's efforts to expand modern transport infrastructure and accelerate regional economic development.

Speaking at the airport's official inauguration ceremony, Arega described the project as a direct response to one of the region's longest-standing public demands, noting that residents of Debre Markos and the surrounding communities had waited many years to see air services restored.

"The airport that the people of Debre Markos and the surrounding areas had requested for many years has now become operational," he said.

According to the Chief Administrator, Debre Markos had enjoyed air transport services nearly three decades ago before operations were suspended, leaving the area without regular air connectivity ever since.

 

He recalled that, for many years, residents were told that restoring air services would be impractical because of the town's proximity to Addis Ababa and its challenging topography.

Those explanations, he said, left little hope that the airport would ever be rebuilt until Ethiopia's ongoing reform efforts revived the project.

Arega noted that the airport has now been reconstructed and upgraded to modern aviation standards, providing the region with state-of-the-art infrastructure capable of supporting expanded passenger and cargo services.

He expressed appreciation to the federal government for delivering the project and commended Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his continued support in bringing the long-awaited airport into operation.

 

The Chief Administrator said the airport is expected to unlock the area's considerable economic potential by improving access to its rich agricultural production, mineral resources, tourism attractions, and investment opportunities.

He added that, together with newly developed road and transport infrastructure, the airport will enhance regional connectivity, facilitate trade and investment, improve the movement of people and goods, and strengthen economic integration within the region and across Ethiopia.

 

Arega stressed, however, that the airport's full economic and social benefits will depend on maintaining lasting peace, expanding production, and making effective use of the region's natural resources.

"The airport will achieve its intended purpose only if we safeguard peace, increase production and productivity, and responsibly utilize our abundant resources," he said.

Calling for collective responsibility, the Chief Administrator urged government institutions, local communities, investors, and other stakeholders to work together to preserve peace and security while creating an enabling environment for investment and development.

He also called on residents to reject violence and any attempts to undermine stability, emphasizing that protecting peace, promoting investment, boosting agricultural productivity, and ensuring the free movement of people and goods are shared responsibilities essential to the region's sustainable development.