A new passenger terminal at Bahir Dar Dejazmach Belay Zeleke International Airport has been officially inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior federal officials, in what regional leaders described as part of a wider development push.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Amhara regional president Arega Kebede said extensive investment, agricultural, and urban schemes were moving forward across the region despite ongoing challenges. He noted that infrastructure projects long delayed in previous years were now being accelerated.
Highlighting efforts to stimulate tourism and commercial growth, Arega pointed to major new destination developments including the Gorgora Eco Resort and Logo Lake Resort. He added that the upgraded airport in Bahir Dar, operating alongside existing regional airports in Debre Markos and Kombolcha, would serve as vital gateways for trade and foreign investment.
The regional chief also cited ongoing urban development initiatives aimed at improving living standards in key population centres, including Bahir Dar, Gondar, Dessie, Kombolcha, and Woldia. Closing his remarks, Arega expressed gratitude to federal government leaders for their continued support of regional development projects.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has officially opened a new 4.1bn birr (£26m) passenger terminal at Bahir Dar Dejazmach Belay Zeleke International Airport, establishing it as the second-largest aviation facility in Ethiopia.
Unveiled alongside federal and regional government officials, the 8,300-square-metre terminal can process up to 700 passengers at a time. The expanded apron can accommodate four wide-body aircraft—such as Boeing 777s—and six Boeing 737s simultaneously.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Ethiopian Airlines Group chief executive Mesfin Tasew said construction on the facility began in 2021/22 following damage sustained by the former terminal in 2020/21.
Mesfin noted that the new terminal meets full international standards and will act as a primary driver for tourism, commerce, and investment across Bahir Dar and the surrounding Amhara region.
