Ethiopian Airlines Group, the largest airline group in Africa, said it has completed construction of the Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport Terminal building and aircraft parking with taxiway.

The state-of-the-art terminal has been opened for service and was inaugurated in the presence of Dr Abiy Ahmed Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Mustafe Mohammed Omer President of the Somali Regional State.

The project, which took three years for completion, has unveiled the new terminal building that has been constructed on a total built-up area of 3,500sq. The new apron has the capacity to handle four De Havilland Q400 or B737 aircraft at a time. The airport features ancillary buildings such as airport rescue and firefighting station, water reservoir, and parking areas among others.

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew said: “We are truly pleased with the launching of Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport Terminal building and aircraft parking with taxiway construction project as it will upgrade the airport experience of our passengers traveling to/from the city of Gode.

“It is also a step forward in the work we do to elevate our domestic airport facilities to a higher level. Construction of similar airport terminal is progressing well at Jinka, Kombolcha, Goba/Robe and Bahir Dar airports.”

The terminal is equipped with the latest technology airport facility amenities including a solar system to allow for a smooth and convenient travel via the airport.

Ethiopian Airlines plays a significant role in regional connectivity with its more than 22 destinations in the country. Ethiopian Airlines operates daily flights to/from Gode. Gode being the third airport in Somali Regional State next to Jigjiga and Kebridahar, passengers can travel between Jigjiga and Gode directly without having to transit via Addis Ababa.

Gode Airport has been among the airports that Ethiopian has taken a project on to enhance the facilities.

Since the acquisition of the Ethiopian Airports Enterprise by Ethiopian Airlines Group as a Strategic Business Unit (SBU) in 2017, Ethiopian Airlines Group has taken over the administrative role including construction and renovation projects of airports in the country. – TradeArabia News Service