The launch ceremony was attended by the country’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, several ministers and representatives, and the Ethiopian Airlines management team and its CEO, Mesfin Tasew.

The Ethiopian government decided to develop a new airport in coordination with Ethiopian Airlines after studies showed that Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) would reach capacity within the next few years. In August 2024, Ethiopian Airlines signed a contract with Dar Al-Handasah to provide design, advisory, and construction supervision services for a “mega airport city” near Bishoftu.

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“We are opening a new chapter that will redefine the continent’s ecosystem,” said Tasew at the ceremony. He added that the project will shape “the future of African air transport while meeting growing demand for our passengers and cargo services.”

The completion of Phase One is expected to be completed by 2030, with a capacity of 60 million passengers and parking for 180 aircraft. The project represents a significant expansion of the country’s aviation infrastructure, aiming to establish Ethiopia as a major regional and global air travel hub.

The project is estimated to cost around $12.5 billion in total. Ethiopian Airlines will contribute around 30% of this, with the remainder to be financed by a consortium of international lenders.

“Lenders from the Middle East, Europe, China, and the USA have shown strong interest in financing the project,” said Abraham Tesfaye, the airline’s Infrastructure Development & Planning Director.

The African Development Bank, the Initial Mandated Lead Arranger (IMLA) for the project, has pledged $500 million and is spearheading efforts to mobilise up to $8.7 billion in financing from lenders in these regions. Talks are also underway with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), initiated by Beijing; the European Investment Bank (EIB); and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).

Around $610 million has already been allocated for the initial earthworks, which are expected to be completed within a year. The main construction phase is scheduled to begin in August 2026.

Once completed, Bishoftu International Airport will boast four runways and parking space for up to 270 aircraft. With a projected capacity of 110 million passengers per year, it will be more than four times larger than Ethiopia’s current main international airport and larger than Atlanta’s airport, which is currently the busiest in the world.

A glimpse into the future: See how Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport will look once completed — Africa’s largest aviation project and a gateway to the skies. #Ethiopia #BishoftuAirport #aviation #africa
1/2 pic.twitter.com/GITsUdDHjD

— Fana Media Corporation S.C. (FMC) (@fanatelevision) January 10, 2026

The country’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, said on X that “Bishoftu International Airport will be the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa’s history.”

Bole International Airport (ADD) currently serves as the main hub for Ethiopian Airlines and handles around 25 million passengers per year. Ethiopian Airlines, the largest and most lucrative airline on the continent, has expanded its route network and revenues in recent years.

This new major African aviation hub is strategically placed between the Middle East/Asia and Europe, or the United States.

Alongside the airport itself, the project includes the construction of a modern, multi-lane highway between Bishoftu and Addis Ababa, as well as plans for a high-speed rail link.

The development has necessitated the relocation of approximately 2,500 farmers, who were resettled at an estimated cost of $350 million.

Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country with around 130 million inhabitants, hopes that the new airport will boost tourism and strengthen its position as a major continental aviation and economic hub.

L’article Ethiopia begins work on new mega airport near Addis Ababa est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

A step forward in passport security and efficiency

The newly introduced E-passport incorporates biometric technology, advanced encryption, and tamper-proof materials, ensuring compliance with international standards while significantly enhancing security. Alongside the passport’s release, ICS has implemented modernised issuance systems to streamline application processes and improve service delivery for Ethiopian citizens.

“The introduction of the E-passport is a game-changer for Ethiopia’s immigration services. With improved security, faster processing, and internationally recognised standards, this passport will significantly enhance the travel experience for Ethiopians while strengthening our global recognition and border control,” said Selamawit Dawit, CEO of Immigration and Citizenship Services.

The launch of Ethiopia’s epassport marks a significant milestone in the country’s modernization and digitalization efforts.e passports typically incorporate advanced biometric features that improve border control and identity verification. pic.twitter.com/Kv2j3WDl8T

— Selamawit Dawit (@Dawit_Selamawit) February 21, 2025

This collaboration underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to decreasing dependence on foreign technologies and strengthening national sovereignty through localised secure document production. “The launch of Ethiopia’s first E-passport is a testament to our commitment to advancing strategic national projects that drive modernization and efficiency. By partnering with Toppan Security and ICS, we are not only addressing the security printing gap but also establishing Ethiopia as a leader in secure document production,” emphasized Dr. Brook Taye, CEO of Ethiopian Investment Holdings.

A new chapter for Ethiopia’s digital immigration services

In addition to the E-passport launch, ICS is implementing a comprehensive digital transformation to enhance immigration services. As of 24 February 2025,  ICS will provide visa, ID, and permit services to the public, utilising modernised registration and issuance systems to reduce processing times and strengthen security measures against fraud and identity theft.

The unveiling event included an exhibition showcasing the transition from the Machine-Readable Passport (MRP) to the new E-passport, allowing attendees to explore its enhanced security features and the future of Ethiopia’s passport services. ICS plans to conduct a nationwide awareness campaign to ensure a seamless adoption process, guiding citizens through application and issuance procedures.

This milestone underscores Ethiopia’s commitment to modernising its immigration infrastructure, enhancing national security, and delivering a more efficient and secure experience for travellers.

L’article Ethiopia unveils its first locally made E-passport with advanced security features est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The new facility, called Abusera Airport, is projected to handle up to 100 million passengers annually. This capacity would make it not only the largest in Africa but also one of the most significant aviation hubs worldwide. The scale of the project is comparable to some of the busiest airports globally, such as Dubai International Airport which currently accomodates the same figure.

As Ethiopian Airlines is the most lucrative African global airline, this decision comes as an opportunity to aid further growth of the country’s flagship air carrier. A revenue of $7 billion and seating of 17 million passengers was revealed last month for the year 2023-24, with the potential to generate much more. Currently, a major setback is that the airline’s current hub, Bole Addis Ababa International Airport, is reaching its capacity limits, prompting the need for expanded infrastructure.

The new airport will provide Ethiopian Airlines with the facilities necessary to continue its expansion and to compete with other major airlines in the region, so the airline has recently signed an agreement with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, a partner with the world-renowned signature architects Zaha Hadid Architects, for the “design and supervision of a Mega Airport City at Abusera in Bishoftu city.”

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“”It is a five-year project (that) will be finalised in 2029. The first phase includes the construction of the airport facility with a capacity of 60 million passengers per year and the completion of phase two of the airport project will grow to handling more than 100 million passengers per year,” said Mesfin Tasew Bekele, CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group.

Construction on the new airport is expected to begin soon, with the first phase expected to be in operation by 2029, however further specific timelines and budget details have not been fully disclosed. The project will likely involve significant international investment, given the scale and complexity of the undertaking.

By establishing Africa’s largest airport, Ethiopia not only seeks to address current aviation demands but also to position itself as a central player in the global aviation industry. The country has long been a crossroad for trade and travel, sitting between Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The potential of this project could have far-reaching implications, potentially reshaping air travel patterns across the continent and beyond.

L’article Ethiopia to build Africa’s largest airport by 2029 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

According to the Air Live portal, when Air Traffic Control noticed that the aircraft was not starting the descent protocol, they tried to contact the crew several times without success.

In a press release, the airline confirmed that the two pilots in question have been suspended. “The concerned Crew have been removed from operation pending further investigation,” Ethiopian Airlines stated. “Safety has always been and will continue to be our first priority.”

Appropriate corrective action will be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

Ethiopian Airlines

This situation caused the pilots to overshoot their destination, so they had to make new maneuvers to resume the route to Addis Ababa. During the time the pilots were asleep, the aircraft was kept in flight by the autopilot system. When it was deactivated, the drivers were awakened by the alarm.

In a tweet, aviation expert Alex Macheras described the incident as very concerning. He highlighted the dangers of pilot exhaustion. “Pilot fatigue is nothing new, and continues to pose one of the most significant threats to air safety, internationally,” he wrote.

Why hadn’t it started to descend for landing? Both pilots were asleep

Alex Macheras, aviation expert

According to early reports, the automatic flight management system was set for an approach to the airport, but without descending. Otherwise, the consequences could have been much worse. Finally, after waking up following the alarm activation, the pilots landed at Addis Ababa airport almost half an hour later. The aircraft remained on the ground for about two and a half hours before starting the next trip.

Fortune magazine reports that CEO of Wizz Air faced strong backlash after telling pilots they should simply push through their exhaustion. “We cannot run this business when every fifth person of a base reports sickness, because the person is fatigued,” said József Váradi, citing compensation fees. “Sometimes it is required to take the extra mile. The damage is huge when we are canceling the flight, it’s huge.”

L’article Two Ethiopian Airlines pilots fall asleep in mid-flight and miss landing est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Ethiopia is one of the few ancient civilizations in the world with its own alphabets and calendar. Unlike the Gregorian’s calendar, the Ethiopian calendar is composed of 13 Months of which the 12 months have 30 days each, and the 13^th month named Pagume has regularly five days but changes to six days every leap year. Following this calendar, Ethiopia celebrates its own Christmas (Ghenna). It is colourfully celebrated on the 7^th of January on Gregorian calendar or on 29^th of Tahisas on Ethiopian Calendar. The eve of Christmas is called Gahad and it is marked with fasting mainly among Orthodox Christians.

Ghenna is a celebration of the Birth of Jesus Christ. Besides, it also has immense social and cultural importance for Ethiopians. Being one of the major tourist attraction events, it is also of important economic value.

The best place to experience Ethiopian Christmas is Lalibela, one of Ethiopia’s most famous destinations and home to the incredible 12^th century rock-hewn churches. Pilgrims flock to the rock-hewn churches, adorned in white clothes. Attending service in the night in the deep, subterranean passageways of those ancient churches is an experience you cannot ever forget.Ethiopian Christmas in Lalibela is one of the most memorable experiences anywhere in Africa. Thousands of pilgrims, draped in white cotton garment, gather around the 12^th century rock-hewn churches for an evening of celebration and reverence.

The festivities are about a communal experience, and a commitment to faith. Christmas celebration in Ethiopia is an experience of religious activities and associated colourful cultural practices that have religious roots. Most people wear a traditional garment made of cotton called Shema. It’s a thin white cotton piece of cloth with brightly coloured stripes across the ends.

On its cultural side, Ethiopian Christmas incorporates a game called ye ghenna chewata in Amharic, (Game of Christmas). It is played during the Christmas season especially in the rural parts of the country and it resembles field hockey. It’s played with a curved stick and a round wooden ball. The Ghenna game is traditionally considered by many Ethiopians to be one of the country’s popular and most ancient outdoor games. Though it is mostly played in the rural parts of Ethiopia, young boys and men can still be observed playing ghenna game in towns and even in the capital, as Christmas season approaches. The conclusion of a ghenna game is followed by high-spirited group singing and dancing called asina ghennaye (Proverb of Genna).

On 19th January, twelve days after Ghenna, Ethiopians start the two-day celebration of Timket. The celebration starts on the eve, which is also called ketera, and continues to the day of Timket. It is an Ethiopian Epiphany that celebrates the baptism of Jesus Christ.

Ethiopian Epiphany is a colourful festival celebrated among Christians all over Ethiopia to commemorate the baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. The commemoration starts on the eve of the main festival on 18^th of January each year. The eve is known as Ketera, which involves creating a pool with flowing water to make it ready for the blessing of the celebrants. During Ketera, people escort their parish church tabot (replicas of the Ark of the Covenant) to Timkete-Bahir (a pool, river, or artificial reservoir), transported by a priest of the parish and accompanied by a great ceremony. The people spend the night attending night-long prayers and hymn services, including the Eucharistic Liturgy. Hundreds of thousands participate in the actual festival on the following day, 19^th of January.

The celebration starts early in the morning with pre-sunrise rituals. These are followed by the sprinkling of the blessed water on the congregation, as well as other ceremonies. At around 10 a.m., each tabot begins its procession back to its respective church, involving an even more colorful ceremony with various traditional and religious songs. The viability of the element is ensured through its continued practice, with Orthodox clergies playing a pivotal role: they sing the praises dedicated to the rituals and hymns, carry the Ark, and preach relevant texts.

Timket is now the 4^th intangible cultural heritage from Ethiopia inscribed as world intangible heritage after Meskel, the Geda system and Fichee-chambalaalla (celebration of finding of the true cross of Jesus Christ, an indigenous democratic socio-political system of the Oromo people, and New Year festival of the Sidama people, respectively). These are besides the other 9 UNESCO inscribed tangible heritages of Ethiopia.

Timket has been one of the major attractions of tourists to Ethiopia, and the number of tourists travelling from all over the world to attend this colourful festivity is increasing from year to year. With its originality, colourfulness, cultural and spiritual importance, the event is a worth visiting carnival for tourists. The Timket celebration usually happens from January 18^th to 19^th every year, and from January 19^th to 20^th on leap year. On Ethiopian calendar, Timket happens on the 11^th of the month of Tir (ጥር), and Ketera happens on the 10^th.

Visitors drawn from various parts of the world including Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa attended the annual festival Timket that colorfully celebrated at Jan-Meda, in the capital Addis Ababa with millions of congregations. The Ethiopian Epiphany is one of the emblematic religious and cultural festivals unique to Ethiopia, whose viability is ensured through continuous practice and the pivotal contributions of the clergy.

The city of Godar, a historic city with an ancient Castle in the northern part of Ethiopia, is also well known for glowing celebration of Timket as Lalibela is famous for Ghenna.

Ethiopia, as the Land of Origins, has much to offer to international tourists: from the world-class archeological sites to the UNESCO inscribed tangible heritage, unique carnivals, beautiful landscape, and welcoming people. The Ethiopian airlines, which has daily direct flights between Addis Ababa and Brussels, is always set to provide world class services to incoming and outgoing tourists. As a cradle of humankind, and much more to explore, Ethiopia always invites tourists to visit their origin and enjoy the friendly and generous reception from the people.

The Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels wishes you all Melkam Ghenna (መልካም ገና) and Melkam Timket (መልካም ጥምቀት)!

L’article Ghenna and Timket: Colourful cultural and religious festivities in Ethiopia est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The New Year holiday — in Amharic (official language of Ethiopia) it’s called “Enkutatash” or “Ri’se Awde Amet” in Ge’ez (ancient language still used in the Ethiopian Coptic Church, in which all the sacred books are written) — is celebrated on the first day of the month of Meskerem, which coincides with September 11th of the Gregorian calendar. The holiday moves to September 12th in leap years.

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Meskerem is considered a month of transition from the old to the new year, when hopes, dreams, wishes and desires for the future are expressed. Coinciding with the end of the rainy season, the field is covered with yellow daisies and the beginning of the harvest incites celebration. Traditionally it is believed that these dates coincide with the end of the universal flood.

The New Year is celebrated with prayers, bonfires, flowers, songs, dances, gifts and traditional food. Men light bonfires to ward off bad luck and attract fortune in the coming year. The girls dress in traditional costume and give yellow daisies. Early in the morning, families go to church and then gather around a traditional meal of injera (flat bread, made with fermented teff flour) and wat (stew). In the cities the celebration is more modern; people exchange gifts and greeting cards in addition to partying.

Coffee ceremony is an integral part of the celebration. The ritual of coffee serving and drinking, which can last for hours, is an important social occasion offering reunion for relatives and friends and a chance to discuss community matters while enjoying excellent coffee. To be invited to a coffee ceremony in an Ethiopian family is a sign of great respect.

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Enkutatatash means “gift of jewelry”. According to tradition, the celebration dates back to the time of the Queen of Sheba. When she returned to Ethiopia from her visit to King Solomon in Jerusalem, she was received with great joy and given an abundance of jewels that filled the royal coffers.

In Ethiopia, the most important religious celebration takes place at the Kostete Yohannes Church in the Gondar region. For three days in a row you can enjoy the sounds of psalms, prayers and chants as well as watch colorful parades welcoming the New Year. There is also a big celebration at the Bagual Church on Mount Entoto near Addis Ababa.

L’article Ethiopia: The country where a year lasts 13 months has just celebrated its entry into 2014 est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Abushe’s condition is so rare that it affects only 1 in 40,000 people, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

At birth, Abushe’s parents were worried. They believed the child was blind when they first saw him. Due to lack of funds, they were unable to diagnose and treat him. Later, his parents understood that Abushe’s condition must have been the opposite, a gift from God.

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French photographer Eric Lafforgue met Abushe in early 2016, when the boy was living with his grandparents in a wooden shack. Unfortunately, a fire broke out, destroying the house and leaving the boy with a scar on his forehead.

Abushe was able to save one thing from the fire: a red soccer ball that became his world. It is Abushe’s dream to play soccer for a living one day; he doesn’t let anything stop him.

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Media have reported that Abushe is often mistreated by his young peers who don’t understand the reason for his condition. Some have nicknamed the boy with ”plastic eyes” and “monster,” while others have beaten him up.

Still, he has certainly made a big impact on the international scene, and has not been forgotten. Lafforgue shared an image of Abushe in February 2019, writing, “No one would pay attention to Abushe, but if you look into the glow of his eyes, their incredible magnetic color will stop you for a moment.”

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The photo has had more than 6,000 likes on Instagram, and the comments were quick to state how beautiful Abushe is.

L’article Meet Abushe. The Ethiopian boy bullied for his beautiful blue eyes est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

As travel restarts, travellers need accurate COVID-19-related information like testing and vaccine requirements which vary among countries. The IATA Travel Pass initiative helps verify the authenticity of test information presented by travellers which is essential for ensuring the safety of passengers while complying with entry requirements of countries.

The trial will be conducted on flights out of Addis Ababa to Washington DC and Toronto as well as on flights out of London and Toronto to Addis Ababa, effective 25 April 2021.

Digital technology is vital to solving many of the problems that arise from the pandemic. We are glad that we are offering new digital opportunities to our passengers so as to fully and safely restart air travel. Our customers will enjoy an efficient, contactless and safer travel experience with their travel pass digital passport. As a safety-first airline, we have become the first African airline to trial IATA’s travel pass initiative to facilitate travel. The new initiative will increase travellers’ confidence in travel, encourages governments to reopen their borders and expedites industry restart.

Tewolde GebreMariam, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian has gone digital in all of its operations to avoid physical contact and combat the spread of the pandemic, and now embarks on this initiative which will allow passengers to enjoy unparalleled flight experience.

“Ethiopian Airlines is once again showing its leadership position in Africa becoming the first carrier to implement a live trial of IATA Travel Pass. The trial will help build confidence among governments and travellers that digital health apps can safely, securely, and conveniently help restart aviation. The app gives travellers a one-stop-shop to help them comply with the new rules for travel. And for governments complete assurance in the identity of the passenger and the authenticity of the travel credentials being presented. We urge Governments in Africa to accelerate the acceptance of digital health credentials for travel across the continent,” said Nick Careen, IATA Senior Vice President for Airport, Passenger, Cargo and Security

The Travel Pass will help create a digital passport, receive test and vaccination certificates and verify that they are sufficient for their route, as well as share testing and vaccination certificates with airlines and authorities to facilitate travel. The digital travel app will also avoid fraudulent documentation and make air travel more convenient.

L’article Ethiopian becomes the first African airline to trial IATA Travel Pass est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The crew was welcomed by the Minister of Health, Dr. Lia Tadesse, state ministers, representatives of World Health Organization, World Bank, UNICEF, African CDC and others.  

“The vaccine will be available for the most vulnerable groups in society: to health workers and staff, people with chronic illness and older people” stressed Dr. Lia Tadesse.

The immunization schedule will be announced in the coming weeks.

L’article Ethiopia receives 2.2 million Covid-19 vaccines for first round est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Beautifying Sheger project is a project initiated by H.E Dr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of Ethiopia to uplift the image of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, a seat of the African union as well as various international organizations, and its environs to make it fit for tourism and recreations.

This 29 billion Birr scheme, also known as the Sheger project has two parts. The first is the cleanup and beautification of Addis’ rivers sides, the other is transforming Entoto mountain.  The project runs along the rivers of Addis Ababa, developing green spaces starting from Entoto to Akaki alongside the 56km river streams until they reach Akaki wastewater treatment plant.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed officially launched the construction of the project on October 1, 2019. The name Addis Ababa means “New flower”, and the project is to befit this name.  The project, therefore, aims at making the capital city a tourist destination and enhancing the well-being of city dwellers by mitigating river flooding and  through the  creation of public  spaces  and  parks, bicycle paths  and walkways  along the riverside.  At the official launch  of the  project,  Prime  Minister  Abiy remarked that  “the project  is part  of the comprehensive works that  the government is undertaking to foster tourism  and beautify the capital.”

For the completion of the projects, the Prime Minister held a fundraising dinner on 19 May 2019  dubbed “Dine for Sheger” at  the  National   Palace.  At the dinner, 300 business   owners, company CEOs, international organizations, heads and members of the diplomatic community attended. The project  required an estimated $1 billion, and the dinner  raised  $25 million.

Sheger park project renovates the city of 5 million  people  with clean   waterways,  flower  belts,  amphitheatres,  Water Dance Light Fountains, open spaces  and stops,  bikeways, walkways along the riverside and transforming Addis Ababa into a greener, cleaner,  resilient, and happier city.

The second  part  of the  project is Entoto Park which comprises various  indoor and outdoor facilities  including a library,  sports centres, entertainment, restaurants and coffee shops, an artificial lake  and  fountains walkways, bike,  scooter, and cart routes.

Most of these  facilities  were  constructed using  local materials, s they blend in beautifully with the natural environment of the par

Some   exciting   activities   in  Entoto   Natural   Park   include:  Paintball   arena, outdoor archery,   a horse-riding ranch  for  both adults  and children, and a large  outdoor amphitheatre that will be used  for concerts,  theatres, and live music. 

Other  sights  can be seen on foot in the natural environment of Entoto  Natura Park  include:   views  of  Addis  Abeba, Entoto  Mariam  Church and  the historical  museum, Menelik’s Palace,  two  Kedus Ragu and  Kedus Elias Churches  from  different eras,  the  Washa Mika Church  ruins,  and  runners training on the  forest  trails.  The park is also a convenient place to birdwatchers with some 200 bi species  registered in the mixed  habitats of forest  woodland, sloop cliffs and marshes.

In a short one-year period since the start of the construction, both Sheger and  Entoto park  are near  completion; have  created ma jobs and  are  changing  the  look  and  feel of the  city. Beautifying Sheger projects,  apart from evolving the look and feel of the city o Addis Ababa, will have a significant  impact  in contributing to t development of service economic sectors.

The  successful  completion of the  two  projects  have  encouraged and  served  as  a benchmark for  other  projects  to  be  replicated in other  parts  of the  country  that are the  main  sites for tourism Recently, building  on experience and success of Sheger  projects  in Addis Ababa, Prime  Minister  Abiy Ahmed  has officially launch a  “Dine  for  Nation”  fundraising program to  mobilise  funds  f three  other  projects  in  Amhara, Oromia and  Southern Nations, Nationalities and  Peoples  regions.  The new project sites call Gorgora, Wonchi  and  Koyish, are  the  places  in the  country  with beautiful natural sites  and  attractions. A committee establish to spearhead resource mobilisation started its work on August 1, 2020.

L’article Beautifying Addis Ababa as an Urban Tourism Site est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

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