Debre Markos Airport Reopens After 30 Years
Debre Markos Airport just reopened after three decades, it reopened on July 5, 2018 (Ethiopian Calendar), July 12, 2026 (Georgian Calendar), with a new name and a new runway. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed cut the ribbon himself, and the new name of the airport is King Tekle Haimanot Airport.
The Debre Markos airport was not idle for no reason. Ethiopian Airlines actually flew into Debre Markos more than 50 years ago, using a small aircraft called the “Dash-6.” But over 20 years ago, the airline retired that aircraft. And the newer planes of Ethiopian Airlines were too big for the old runway. It couldn’t handle them, so flights stopped.
After that, there was no option available for the people except to drive to Addis Ababa. And it was not a short drive as the distance is around 300 kilometers.
What the New Debre Markos Airport Looks Like Now
The renovated airport is not a small airport. Now the modern facilities are available and able handle more air traffic.
Here is what the new setup includes
- A runway which is 2,400 meters long and 30 meters wide
- The ability to handle larger aircraft, including the Q400 and, when needed, the Boeing 737
- A daily capacity of up to 3 flights
The airport was expecting 3 flights per week, but after the opening, demand has increased. By the time it officially opened, that number jumped to 3 flights a day, or 21 flights a week. That is a clear sign people wanted this Debre Markos airport back.
Building this project was not quick. It took more than 4 years to finish, and the total cost came to 1.4 billion Birr. Mr. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, spoke about the project during the inauguration.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the airport will help to boost economic activity, investment, and tourism in the area. Faster, easier travel usually brings more business and more visitors.
It is also worth noting that this is not a one-off project. According to the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, King Tekle Haimanot Airport is:
- The 5th domestic airport built in the last 8 years of Ethiopia’s aviation transformation
- The 25th airport in the country overall
- Not the last one either, two more airports are currently under construction and expected to open soon
Although the airport alone doesn’t solve everything. As Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed pointed out, plenty of people will still travel by road, not by air. So the real win here is not just a new runway, it is making sure both roads and sky stay open, safe, and free from disruptions.
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