Ethiopia has officially commenced construction of what is set to become the largest airport in Africa, marking a major milestone in the continent’s aviation and infrastructure development.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Bishoftu International Airport, held in January 2026, signals the start of a multi-billion-dollar project designed to position Ethiopia as a dominant global air transport hub.
A Mega-Hub for a Growing Continent
Located approximately 40–45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, the new airport is planned to handle up to 110 million passengers annually at full capacity, far exceeding the throughput of any existing airport in Africa.
The development is aimed at easing congestion at the current Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which has been operating near its design limits due to rapid growth in passenger and cargo traffic.
The project, valued at about US$12.5 billion, will feature four runways, extensive cargo and maintenance facilities, and parking space for up to 270 aircraft. Once completed, it is expected to rank among the largest airports globally in terms of both scale and passenger handling capacity.
Phased Development and Long-Term Vision
Construction will be implemented in phases, with the first stage targeting an initial capacity of around 60 million passengers per year.
Full completion is projected around 2030. The phased approach allows infrastructure to expand in line with demand while maintaining operational efficiency.
The airport forms a key pillar of Ethiopia’s long-term aviation strategy, supporting the expansion of Ethiopian Airlines and strengthening the country’s role as a gateway between Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas.
Financing and International Partnerships
Funding for the project is being structured through a mix of domestic investment and international financing.
Ethiopian Airlines is expected to contribute a significant share, with additional support from multilateral development banks and global financial institutions. This reflects strong international confidence in Ethiopia’s aviation growth and the commercial viability of the project.
Economic and Infrastructure Impact
Beyond aviation, the Bishoftu airport development is expected to act as a powerful economic catalyst. It is projected to:
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Stimulate tourism and business travel
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Enhance air cargo capacity for exports and imports
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Create thousands of construction and operational jobs
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Support the growth of airport-linked developments such as logistics parks, hotels, and commercial zones
Improved road and future rail links are also planned to integrate the new hub with Addis Ababa and the wider national transport network.
Social and Environmental Considerations
As with many large-scale infrastructure projects, the development has raised concerns among local communities regarding land use and resettlement.
Authorities have indicated that social and environmental impact assessments are being conducted, with mitigation measures planned to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
A Landmark for African Aviation
The construction of Bishoftu International Airport represents one of the most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Africa.
When completed, it is expected to redefine the continent’s air transport capacity, strengthen regional and global connectivity, and firmly establish Ethiopia as a leading aviation hub for the 21st century.
For the construction and engineering sector, the project stands as a showcase of mega-infrastructure planning, advanced airport design, and the growing scale of investment now shaping Africa’s built environment.
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