The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has issued a powerful call for Ethiopia to continue prioritizing aviation as a cornerstone of national development. Speaking at the Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, IATA leaders emphasized that aviation already plays a vital role in Ethiopia’s economy, but with passenger demand expected to triple by 2044, sustained investment will be essential to unlock the sector’s full potential.

According to IATA’s Value of Air Transport Report, aviation currently supports USD 2 billion in economic activity, equivalent to 1.2 percent of Ethiopia’s GDP, and provides more than 527,000 jobs across aviation, supply chains, and tourism. The sector also facilitates the movement of 248,400 tonnes of air cargo annually, strengthening Ethiopia’s role as a regional trade hub. With 60 percent of Ethiopia’s population under the age of 25, aviation is seen as a critical driver of job creation, skills development, and economic transformation.

Kamil Alawadhi, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, praised Ethiopia’s progress in aviation, noting that the country’s success has been the result of deliberate government prioritization. He stressed that continued focus on cost‑efficient infrastructure, training, and sustainability will be vital to ensure aviation delivers even greater long‑term value.

Infrastructure development was highlighted as a top priority, particularly with Ethiopia’s new Bishoftu airport under construction. IATA urged close coordination with airlines and adherence to ICAO policies to ensure efficiency and safety. Early engagement on operational readiness and airport transfer will be critical to meeting rapidly growing passenger and cargo demand.

Training and workforce development were also emphasized as essential. Institutions such as Ethiopian Aviation University, an IATA Authorized Training Center, are expected to play a central role in producing pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and ground operations specialists. A strong pipeline of professionals will enable Ethiopia to meet demand while maximizing aviation’s contribution to the economy.

Sustainability formed the third pillar of IATA’s recommendations. Ethiopia has an estimated 16.1 million CORSIA‑eligible emissions units available in the near term, which could unlock climate finance through global carbon markets. IATA encouraged the government to advance the issuance of Letters of Authorization to enable the use of these units under CORSIA, aligning Ethiopia’s aviation growth with the industry’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The Focus Africa Conference brought together industry leaders and government representatives to identify concrete actions to strengthen aviation across the continent. For Ethiopia, the message was clear: aviation is already a cornerstone of economic growth, but with demand set to triple, sustained investment will determine whether the sector can fully realize its potential.

Ethiopia’s aviation sector has long been recognized as one of Africa’s strongest, anchored by Ethiopian Airlines, the continent’s largest carrier. With its extensive global network and reputation for excellence, the airline has positioned Ethiopia as a key aviation hub. The new IATA report and recommendations reinforce the importance of building on this foundation to ensure that Ethiopia remains competitive in the decades ahead.

As Ethiopia looks toward 2044, the challenge will be balancing rapid growth with sustainability, efficiency, and inclusivity. Aviation has the power to connect people, drive trade, and create jobs, but only if the right investments are made today. IATA’s call serves as both a warning and an opportunity: Ethiopia must act decisively to secure its place as a leader in African aviation and ensure that the sector continues to fuel national development for generations to come.

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IATA Urges Ethiopia to Sustain Aviation Investment as Passenger Demand Set to Triple