Ethiopian Airlines has announced that flights are being diverted to other airports due to heavy fog in Addis Ababa.
The dense fog, which has blanketed the city since 9 AM, has significantly impacted both domestic and international flights.
As a result, the airline has been forced to reroute many flights to alternative airports to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
In an official statement, Ethiopian Airlines apologized for the inconvenience caused to travelers and emphasized that it is working diligently to minimize disruptions and ensure that affected passengers are accommodated appropriately.
The airline assured customers that all efforts are being made to reduce the potential hassle and ensure that normal operations resume as quickly as possible.
This weather-related disruption comes at a time when Ethiopian Airlines is making significant strides in expanding its infrastructure.
Just two weeks ago, the airline announced that it had signed a technical advisory and consultancy contract with Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (Shair and Partners) in collaboration with the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects.
This partnership aims to design and supervise the construction of a Mega Airport City at Abusera in Bishoftu, approximately 40 km from Addis Ababa.
The new airport, upon completion, is expected to handle 110 million passengers annually, which is four times the current capacity of Bole International Airport.
This ambitious project is set to transform air travel in Ethiopia and across the continent, positioning Ethiopia as a global aviation hub.
In addition to enhancing connectivity, the development will drive economic growth while adhering to environmentally responsible practices.
Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, highlighted the significance of the Mega Airport City project, noting that it will establish Ethiopia as a key player in global aviation.
He also mentioned that the new airport, capable of accommodating 110 million passengers per year, will be built at Abusera in Bishoftu, a city on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.
This facility is expected to eventually replace Bole International Airport, which currently has a capacity of only 25 million passengers per year.
The airport design, managed by Dar Al-Handasah, will be completed in phases, with the first phase expected to become operational by 2029.
The project marks a major milestone in Ethiopian Airlines’ expansion strategy and its commitment to enhancing air travel infrastructure in Africa.
In recognition of its contributions to the aviation industry, Ethiopian Airlines was recently honored with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from U.S. President Joe Biden.
The award was presented on August 8, 2024, during the 8th Annual Gala Dinner hosted by the Black IAM organization at the Hilton Atlanta Airport Hotel.
This accolade recognized Ethiopian Airlines for its outstanding service to U.S. citizens over the past 25 years, solidifying its reputation as Africa’s largest and most successful airline.
