Africa’s largest carrier, Ethiopian Airlines, has opened its terminal at Gode Ugaas Miraad Airport near the border with Somalia.

After three years in construction, Ethiopia’s prime minister Abiy Ahmed cut the ribbon on Monday with Somali Regional State president Mustafe Mohammed Omer.

According to Ethiopian Airlines, the 3,500 sq m building will come with a new apron, an airport rescue and firefighting station, solar panels, a water reservoir and parking areas.

The airline’s chief executive Mesfin Tasew said the facilities would “upgrade the airport experience of our passengers travelling to and 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”.

The company is building similar terminals at regional airports in Jinka, Kombolcha, Goba and Bahir Dar.

Ethiopian flies to 22 domestic destinations and carries international passenger and cargo to some 130 destinations on five continents.

Gode airport was built by Skanska in 1965 as a military base, but was later converted to civilian flights.