Ethiopian Touches Down at New Nekemte Gudina Tumsa Airport

Ethiopian Airlines has launched its thrice weekly flights to Nekemte, Gudina Tumsa Airport in western Ethiopia, while simultaneously inaugurating the completion of airport airfield and passenger access projects in the airport.

Ethiopian Airlines new flights to Gudina Tumsa Airport will be operated as per the following schedule: Addis Ababa (ADD) to Nekemte (NEK) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays with flights from Nekemte (NEK) departing on the same days.

Regarding the inaugural, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “Our joy is doubled as we celebrate the completion of the new Gudina Tumsa Airport project and the commencement of a new service.

This project is part of our vision to expand our domestic destinations nationwide with a firm determination to strengthen regional connectivity. And we are truly pleased to witness the completion of yet another aviation facility project and service commencement.”

The Gudina Tumsa Airport project that cost 1.1 billion ETB, avails a new airfield, access road to the airport, watch towers, temporary terminal, and other facilities with the construction of the permanent terminal to commence on the coming budget year.

The airport's runway is designed for Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft type, while the apron can accommodate two Boeing 737-8 MAX or four Q-400 aircrafts at a time.

Realizing its vision to expand its domestic networks to 31 from the current 23 by 2035, Ethiopian has already begun constructing and upgrading domestic airports and aviation facilities to offer more extended and advanced flight services in the country.

The newly completed airport facility is part of Ethiopian Airlines goal in advancing the socio-economic and cultural interrelation between Ethiopian cities and beyond.

Addis Ababa Bole International Airport Termina I, Axum Yohannes IV Airport, Jinka Airport Terminal, and Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport, are some of the projects inaugurated in recent past with more others set to be completed soon.