Bahir Dar (AMECO)- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh have inaugurated a major new passenger passenger terminal at Dejazmach Belay Zeleke International Airport in Bahir Dar, expanding the lakeside city’s capacity as Ethiopia’s second-largest international aviation hub after Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Abiy declared that Bahir Dar—renowned for its historical heritage and natural landscape—is positioned to become an “African model of development, growth, and prosperity.” He noted that despite its historic role as a trade gateway, the city had long lagged behind its economic potential until a recent surge in infrastructure investment.
Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh highlighted aviation infrastructure as a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s broader economic strategy, stating that Ethiopian Airlines is focussing on delivering high operational quality alongside service expansion. He said the expanded terminal would accommodate rising domestic and international tourist numbers, accelerate cargo exports, create employment across transport and hospitality, and establish Bahir Dar as a venue for international conferences.
The airport upgrade comes alongside extensive urban infrastructure projects in the city, including internal road network expansions, waterfront corridor developments, and the ongoing construction of the Bahir Dar International Stadium.
Calling for national stability to sustain economic momentum, PM Abiy urged citizens and regional leaders to capitalise on current opportunities and settle differences constructively. “Peace is a precious gift, time is a great wealth, and work is a great blessing,” the prime minister said, adding that turning challenges into long-term assets remains central to the administration’s “Medemer” (synergy) development agenda.
