Ethiopia plans new Jimma and Jigjiga terminals

Right: Jigjiga Airport is located near Awash National Park, considered to be one of Ethiopia's finest nature reserves, and could be used to take tourists to safari destinations

Jimma Airport, 335km (208 miles) southwest of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is one of the oldest in the country and preparations are underway to construct a modern passenger terminal at the airport.

An agreement for the construction of a passenger terminal for the recently inaugurated Jigjiga Airport in the Somali Region of Ethiopia has also been signed. The terminal will be built at a cost of more than US$3.5 million and will commence as soon as the plot is handed over.

Ethiopian Airports Enterprise projects a profit of close to US$3.8 million this year after earning US$4.2 million last year. It administers 14 airports and two airstrips in the country. Only Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Mekele and Bahir Dar airports are equipped to provide international services.

Varnero Construction has signed an agreement with Ethiopian Airport Enterprise to build the taxiway of Jimma Airport at a cost of US$11.9 million.

Assosa and Humera airports are currently under construction at a cost of US$7.8 million and US$14.6 million, respectively. Assosa will be able to handle the Boeing 737, while Humera’s runway will be suitable for Boeing 747s.
 

17 February 2009