Ethiopian Airlines has inaugurated direct passenger service between Addis Ababa and Debre Markos, reducing travel time from a lengthy road journey to just one hour and marking a significant expansion of domestic connectivity to regional capitals.
The state-owned carrier launched the twice-weekly service to Debre Markos Airport (DBM), the historic capital of East Gojjam Zone in Amhara region, using De Havilland Canada DHC-8 Dash 8 turboprop aircraft. The inaugural flight carried a high-level government delegation including Amhara Regional State Chief Minister Arega Kebede and Industry Minister Melaku Alebel, alongside senior airline executives.
The new air link transforms connectivity for the 188-kilometer (117-mile) route that previously required a lengthy, unpredictable road journey via Ethiopia's main north-south highway. Local residents, cultural troupes, and town officials gathered at the newly upgraded airport to celebrate the launch with vibrant ceremonies marking the completion of the airport's critical construction phases.
"Strengthening national connectivity is a core pillar of our multi-hub strategy," Ethiopian Airlines executives stated during the launch. "The addition of Debre Markos will act as a major catalyst for regional trade, improve public service delivery, and open up the agricultural and industrial potential of the Gojjam area to broader domestic and international markets."
The twice-weekly flights provide a reliable transport alternative for business travelers, government officials, and tourists, with Ethiopian Airlines positioning the service as an economic catalyst for the Gojjam region. The airline described the route as opening agricultural and industrial potential to broader domestic and international markets.
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The launch aligns with Ethiopia's broader infrastructure modernization push, with the completion of Debre Markos Airport's modern passenger terminal and runway infrastructure. The presence of Industry Minister Melaku Alebel on the inaugural flight signals government intent to attract manufacturing and investment to the region's industrial zones.
Local officials anticipate the flights will enable swift transport of high-value agricultural products unique to the region, while Debre Markos serves as a gateway to historical and natural attractions in northwest Ethiopia. The improved connectivity makes it easier for international travelers landing at Bole International Airport to access regional destinations.
Context: The Debre Markos route expansion reflects Ethiopian Airlines' strategy to deepen domestic market penetration beyond major urban centers. As Africa's largest network carrier, the airline now serves 26 destinations across Ethiopia, strengthening its hub-and-spoke model that connects regional cities to international routes through Addis Ababa. The timing coincides with Ethiopia's aggressive push to modernize domestic aviation infrastructure, with improved connectivity supporting broader economic development goals in regional Ethiopia.
