Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially inaugurated the new Negele Borena Geda Airport in the Oromia Region
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially inaugurated the new Negele Borena Geda Airport in the Oromia Region on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s ongoing infrastructure push. The airport is located in Negele Borena, a bustling town serving as a gateway to the vast Borena zone, known for its pastoralist communities, cross-border livestock trade, and unique natural attractions.
The airport will initially operate three weekly flights, connecting the remote southern region to Addis Ababa and other major towns. Officials expect the new air link to boost trade, tourism, and business activities, while dramatically improving accessibility to the historically underserved Borena area. Local leaders believe the airport will help integrate the region more closely with national and regional markets, reducing travel time from days by road to just over an hour by air.
Beyond economic gains, the airport’s name — incorporating “Geda” — pays homage to the traditional Geda governance system of the Oromo people, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage. This symbolic naming underscores the government’s effort to blend modern development with cultural identity.
The inauguration is part of a wider strategy by Prime Minister Abiy’s administration to expand aviation infrastructure across Ethiopia, including recent upgrades to airports in Dembi Dollo, Gode, and Jinka. For Borena, where seasonal rains often cut off road access, the new airport is expected to become a vital lifeline for humanitarian aid, medical evacuations, and movement of livestock and agricultural products.
As captured in the official photo shared by Abiy Ahmed’s office on X (formerly Twitter), the opening ceremony was attended by regional officials, elders, and community representatives, signaling strong local support for the project.
: @AbiyAhmedAli/X
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