Hawassa International Airport (IATA: AWA, ICAO: HALA) serves Hawassa, the capital of the Sidama Region and one of Ethiopia's major cities situated on the shores of Lake Hawassa. The airport provides connectivity between Hawassa and other Ethiopian cities, most notably Addis Ababa, supporting the region's growing tourism and economic activity. The airport has historically operated as a domestic facility, with Ethiopian Airlines serving as the primary carrier linking Hawassa to the national capital. Efforts have been made over the years to upgrade its infrastructure to accommodate international traffic, consistent with its designation as an international airport.