Ethiopia Breaks Ground on Africa’s Largest Airport in Bishoftu

Ethiopia has launched construction of a $12 billion international airport in Bishoftu, set to handle 110 million passengers and reshape Africa’s aviation landscape.

Ethiopia has officially launched construction on a gigantic new international airport in Bishoftu, a project set to become the largest aviation hub in Africa when completed, government and industry officials announced this week.

Ethiopian Airlines, the country's state-owned airline, started construction on the US $12 billion Bishoftu International Airport on January 10. It is situated around 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, the capital. The project which is slated for gradual implementation through 2030, is to greatly expand Ethiopia's aviation capacity and establish the country as an important hub for continental and international air travel.

Bishoftu International Airport's first phase will have four runways and advanced infrastructure for support that can handle up to 60 million passengers a year. When completed, the airport is expected to accommodate up to 270 aircraft and handle about 110 million passengers every year, which is more than four times the capacity of Ethiopia's present Bole International Airport. Master planning and architectural design are handled by international design firms that combine world class aviation standards with worldwide knowledge, such as Sidara Group, Zaha Hadid Architects and Dar Al Handasah Consultants. With large cargo facilities, airline support zones and potential for future commercial expansion the terminal alone will cover almost one million square meters.

Around thirty percent of the project will be provided by Ethiopian Airlines, with the other financing coming from international lenders led by the African Development Bank. Main construction is scheduled to start in mid 2026, with preliminary earthworks likely to be finished within a year. As part of a larger plan to increase Ethiopia's influence in regional and international air transport markets, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed referred to the project as the largest aviation infrastructure project in Africa's history. Also the project is expected to promote the expansion of cargo logistics, create jobs and increase travel and trade around the continent.